Definition:
The term trompe l'oeil is a French phrase meaning to deceive or fool the eye. It is used for paintings that create a powerful illusion of depth, of something three-dimensional and real (rather than only being a two-dimensional, flat image).
A trompe l'oeil can be any size painting. They range in scale from large, ambitious paintings on church ceilings to small-scale paintings designed to hang on a wall. The technique is often used to create 'fake' architectural features such as pillars and windows.
Examples of Trompe l'oeil Paintings:
- Ceiling in a Vatican Museum (From About.com's Guide to Europe)
- Still-Life of Letters on a Wooden Board by Edward Collier (From Tate Gallery)
Pronunciation: tromp-ley Audio Link
Also Known As: faux finish
