Glossary
Illusionistic
Many artists attempt to represent the visual world, and to create the appearance of a three-dimensional space within their picture, which is painted on a two-dimensional surface.The term illusionism is generally confined to those attempts to deceive which surpass the realistic ambitions usual with artists, as by the device of a hand apparently projecting from a painting. Actual deceit, as distinct from the suspension of disbelief, is rare and usually referred to as 'trompe-l'oeil'.
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
