The art of perspective is of such a nature as to make what is flat appear in relief. Perspective is the guide and the gateway; and without this nothing can be done well in the matter of drawing. So wrote Leonardo da Vinci.

Throughout time, artists have struggled to represent our solid, three-dimensional world on a flat, two-dimensional canvas.

How have artists represented our world over the centuries?

At what point did artists first represent the world in a realistic, natural-looking way?

What techniques did they use to help achieve realism?

Taking famous works as examples, the author takes us on a journey from pre-historic art, through spectacular Renaissance paintings, to modern-day hyper-realism. We learn how, over time, artists devised techniques that produce impressive depth and realism on a flat canvas.

Next time you see a painting, especially a famous one, you will appreciate, even more, the genius behind the canvas!