The Ambassadors
Hans Holbein the Younger
A double portrait with a skull that emerges from an oblique view.
EXPLORE THE DEMONSTRATION
A painted room appears to recede into the wall, although its apparent back wall projects towards the viewer.
Compare the left-hand photograph in Figure 1 with the construction views in Figure 2 of the linked paper. Find the apparent back wall, then ask which part is physically closest. Use the artist’s films to see how a moving viewpoint changes a reverspective.
See Sticking-out Room in Figure 1Illusions in painting / 1964 · first reverspective
Sticking-out Room
A painted room appears to recede into the wall, although its apparent back wall projects towards the viewer.
TRY THIS
Compare the left-hand photograph in Figure 1 with the construction views in Figure 2 of the linked paper. Find the apparent back wall, then ask which part is physically closest. Use the artist’s films to see how a moving viewpoint changes a reverspective.
FOLLOW THE SOURCES
History, evidence & image credit
Frequently asked questions
What is Sticking-out Room?
A painted room appears to recede into the wall, although its apparent back wall projects towards the viewer.
What should I look for in Sticking-out Room?
Compare the left-hand photograph in Figure 1 with the construction views in Figure 2 of the linked paper. Find the apparent back wall, then ask which part is physically closest. Use the artist’s films to see how a moving viewpoint changes a reverspective.
What explains Sticking-out Room?
A truncated pyramid projects outwards, but its painted perspective suggests an inward room. Near and far exchange roles. When the depth inversion holds, moving past the relief can make the painted scene seem to turn.
Another way to see it
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