Five impressive trompe l'oeil in Italy

Trompe l'oeil is a French phrase meaning to trick the eye, so artists have used this technique for centuries to create the illusion of space or depth. The seaside town of Camogli is famous for its trompe l'oeil windows, but there is a lot of significant trompe l'oeil art in Italy, so I've picked five of Italy's most famous. Take note, because you could easily walk by any of these and not realize your eye was being tricked.

These are especially good to add to an Italy itinerary when traveling with kids, because they're quicker to visit than a museum, and because kids love trying to figure out the trick.

 

1. Ceiling of Sant'Ignazio in Rome is full of trompe l'oeil done by Andrea Pozzo. Both the dome (photo below) and the ceiling (photo above) were created to give the eye the illusion of depth where there is very little. There are even marble markers on the floor of the church so the viewer knows exactly where to stand for the best perspective. 

 
 

2. Palazzo Spada, Rome This trompe l'oeil sculpture was done by Francesco Borromini. The floor is actually inclined, and the columns decrease in size, making the distance between the viewer and the sculpture seem 37 meters (121 feet) long when in reality the distance is just 8 meters (26 feet). The statue seems life-sized to the eye, but it's only 60 cm (23 inches) tall. 

3. Villa Farnesina in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood is famous for its art, including some by Raphael. But it also houses a well-known trompe l'oeil done by artist Baldassare Peruzzi: standing in the correct spot, you'll see a window with pillars at the end of the room. Move a few inches away and you'll change the perspective and realize it's not a window at all, but a painting. 

4. Mantua's Ducal Palace houses a trompe l'oeil oculus done by Andrea Mantegna, in the Camera degli Sposi (Bridal Chamber).

 

5. House of the Vetti in Pompeii has three trompe l'oeil windows.

Any I've missed?

Church of San Ignacio dome from Wikimedia commons; ceiling by Xuvira; Palazzo Spada photo by Anthony Majanlahti; Villa Farnesina by @@@@@; Mantegna in Mantua by Kilo'; Photo of Pompeii by Callicrates2003. 

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Comments

[John S.]

The Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza is a great one, and so is the Assumption of the Virgin in Parma

[Madeline]

John thanks so much for pointing those out, they are both excellent. The teatro olimpico is a true gem...

[Kristin Flickinger]

The Palazzo Strozzi in Florence had a fantastic tromp l'oeil exhibit last Fall.Interactive parts, as well.
http://painting.about.com/od/famouspainters/ig/trompe-l-oeil/

We went and had a blast.
http://www.midleap.com/2009/11/anchors-aweigh/

[Madeline]

Thanks Kristin! Wish I could have seen the exhibit - and painting #3 of the link you posted is my favorite trompe l'oeil *ever* - love it.

[Ann GH]

Great post, Madeline! My 12-year-old, who loves art (and just learned to say "trompe l'oeil" in her French class) will love these!

[Madeline]

Thanks Ann! Tell your daughter not to miss the additional two posted by John in the comments as well...

[Karen]

I'm not sure that it's Top 5 -- or even 10 -- material, but my boys and I enjoyed the Bramante painting in Santa Maria Presso di San Satiro in Milan, very close to the Duomo:

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/milan-san-satiro.htm

[Madeline]

Karen thanks so much! As you say it may not be among the top ones in Italy, but that one has special meaning for me, as I used to live around the corner. Also, it's close to my favorite bakery in Milan, Princi! Thanks for the reminder :)