Revision 2473392 of "Perspective (viewpoint)" on enwiki

Perspective is the choice of a single point of view from which to sense, categorize, measure or codify experience, typically for comparing with another. Viewpoint is another word for this principle - with a similarly broad interpretation. It may be '''visual''' and/ or '''mental''', related to [[cognition]]. 

Perspective as [[graphics|graphic]] [[representation]] of objects perceived by the eye denotes a technique of representing three-dimensional objects on a planar surface with the aim of retaining the illusion of three-dimensional space. This technique crystallises actual [[visual perception]], for example, the parallel lines of a railway track are perceived by the eye as meeting at a distance point. Perspective can be drawn in an instinctive way (as in the visual fine arts such as [[painting]], [[sketching]], [[etching]], etc.) as well as in a quantified, technical way (technical graphics using drafting instruments).

It is widely held that perspective as a means of graphic representation was discovered by [[Brunelleschi]] during the [[Renaissance]] period. However, it is likely that other civilsations knew the technique, for example, there is a particular painting in the [[Ajanta]] caves in [[India]] that employs a similar method.

== Related articles ==

*[[Perspective, Visual]]
*[[Perspective (graphical)]]
*[[Perspective (cognition)]]
*[[Graphical Projection]]