Changing Images of Pictorial Space

In The Changing Images of Pictoral Space: A History of Spatial Illusion in Painting, the author presents us with examples in European Art of the changing and evolving methods and techniques of presenting illusion. The psychological viewpoint of the picture plane is shown to have changed over the centuries. What was once a window to look into, is now in modern paintings, a two-dimensional flat surface. The artist's intent has changed over the centuries. I could not put this book down. It reminds me of The Da Vinci Code.

This book is a choice pick for anyone interested in the humanities. Dunning skillfully incorporates philosophy with the artistic creation of the illusion of space over time. His ideas are thoughtfully presented, his language is clear, and his ideas are intelligent. It is clear that this man is well-read, and he combines this understanding with a strongly rooted comprehension of the process of painting.