CLIFFLEE: Trompe-l'œil

Trompe l'œil, a French term that literally means Trick of the Eye, originated in the frescos and mosaic Antiquity. It was said that the flourishing painter Zeuxis, during a competition against Parrhasius in the 5th century BC, painted grapes so vividly that even the surrounding birds attempted to steal them. During the Renaissance, this technique got amplified before it was transformed in a different direction in the Baroque era. It's all about perspective and chiaroscuro (Italian term which means light and dark). Other than its interesting technical aspect, the trick of the eye was also created for economic reasons in decorative art. Fashion was no exception either as part of the illusion where wigs, and fake asses were created in the 18th and 19th centuries to give false impressions. In the 20th century, however, the illusion abandoned the form but penetrated the fabrics with fake pockets, buttons and textures. And it is not ready to stop in our 21st century where street artist such as Joe Hill takes it out to the streets with his amazing 3D art and in fashion, we see the return of fake collars and many other accessories. Interested to discover more? You have it till November 15th, 2013 to figure the art all out!

Les Arts Décoratifs
galerie d'études
107 rue de Rivoli 75001 PARIS
T. +33 (0)1 44 55 57 50
(M) Palais Royal
Tue - Sun from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thurs night until 9:00 pm
Entrance: 9.50 €

French Opera Glass Fan from 1815