Designed by Francesco Borromini, an architectural master of illusion, the perspective corridor is a forced perspective optical illusion in the arcaded courtyard of Palazzo Spada. The diminishing rows of Tuscan columns and the rising mosaic floor create the visual illusion of a gallery spanning 37 meters, although, in reality, it is only 8 meters long, with a statue of Mars (the Roman God of Way) measuring only 31 inches tall.

With Borromini’s perspective corridor, there is more than meets the eye. Inside this architectural illusion lies a moral. To the work, Cardinal Spada added a short poem: “In the same way that illusions may cause small shapes to appear great, worldly matters held to be great may prove to be illusory and insignificant.”

Photographed in Rome, Italy. Photography by Mister Antonio Art.

Details

• 8″x10″ print (frame not included)
• Packaged with 11″x14″ white mat border and backing
• Printed on textured matte archival paper
• Made in Vancouver, Canada
• Orientation: Portrait
• Larger sizes available for special order
• Mister Antonio Art