A look into the many paintings that demonstrate all kinds of perspective, specifically in buildings and architecture.
Perspective scenery, Diego de Siloé, Second third of 16th century, From the collection of: Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya - MNAC, Barcelona
An almost perfect, yet simple, example of true perspective, while still being interesting to look at. It's not often that I see something like this.
The interior of St Janskerk at Gouda, Hendrick van Vliet, 1662, From the collection of: National Gallery of Victoria
This piece, for me, sums up everything there is to love about perspective. It gives you a sense of depth, and a sense the overall length of the building as well. A must have for my gallery.
Perspective of gardens, Jacques Rousseau, Around 1674, From the collection of: Palace of Versailles
This painting is a great example of forced perspective, and a beautiful one at that.
The Pieterskerk in Leiden, Johannes Bosboom, circa 1868, From the collection of: Kunstmuseum
Although dark, this piece demonstrates a very interesting method of using lighting to add heavily to the illusion. The contrast really makes the painting seem real.
The Entrance to a Palace, van Delen, Dirck, 1654, From the collection of: Dulwich Picture Gallery
This caught my eye due to its almost dreamy haze, and its big background. The perspective really makes this painting shine.
Death of St. Mary, Lower Rhenish pupil of Wolf Huber, 1st half 16th century, From the collection of: Kunstpalast
This is another painting that uses heavy lighting to indicate depth. The gradual change from a bright point to a darker one helps this painting come alive.
Esther choisie par Assuérus, Filippino Lippi, 1478/1480, From the collection of: Château de Chantilly
I feel that perspective can only be done in some many different ways, but this piece makes me doubt that. A breath of fresh air from other paintings with the same long corridors and side views
Roman Fish Market. Arch of Octavius, Albert Bierstadt, 1858, From the collection of: de Young museum
The alternating light and dark tones in this really caught my eye, and lead my eye to the most important aspects of the scene. Overall a more forced, but interesting, way of showing perspective.
The Library at Dingestow, Charlotte Bosanquet, 1840s, From the collection of: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
I find it very interesting that a painting, despite having little to know lighting, and a very shallow perspective, can pull off this illusion so well. Too unique to leave out of this gallery.
High Street, Oxford, Thomas Malton the Younger, 1748–1804, British, between 1798 and 1799, From the collection of: Yale Center for British Art
In most paintings I've found, the use of perspective is the main focus. In this, I can't help but notice that it is only a secondary focus, and not intended to draw the eye too much.
Altarpiece of Saints Thomas and Matthias, Bernaerd van Orley, 1510/1520, From the collection of: Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
This has to be one of my favorite ones so far. Even with all the madness happening in this scene, the illusion is not affected at all. A very impressive feat in my opinion.
Architectural Veduta, Francesco di Giorgio Martini (attributed), around 1490, From the collection of: Gemäldegalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Although not the most interesting painting, this painting is a very good example of perspective done right. A very good reference for others to use.
The Meeting of Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, Circle of Juan de la Corte, 1630 - 1660, From the collection of: Fundación Banco Santander
Another grand example of perspective, with big arches, a wide background, and a simple scene for garnish. Couldn't get anymore simple, or anymore interesting.
The Antesacristy of the Franciscan Convent, Eugenio Landesio, 1855, From the collection of: Museo Nacional de Arte
I can always appreciate a painting with a good use of shadow, and this one really nails it. Just having shadows by the pillars adds an additional layer of realism to the entire piece.
Heures d'Etienne Chevalier, n° 201 et N° 202 : Etienne Chevalier présenté par saint Etienne à la Vierge et à l’Enfant, Jean Fouquet, Vers 1450, From the collection of: Château de Chantilly
When it comes to art, some people believe that the more complicated the piece, the more interesting it is. This simple demonstration of perspective says otherwise. One corner has given this piece depth.
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
Museo Nacional de Arte
Yale Center for British Art
National Gallery of Victoria
Dulwich Picture Gallery
Fundación Banco Santander
Palace of Versailles
Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien
Gemäldegalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya - MNAC, Barcelona
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
Kunstmuseum
de Young museum
Kunstpalast
Château de Chantilly