Perspective

Perspective is a method for representing three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface, and more broadly, the cognitive ability to understand objects from a given vantage point. In art and drawing, perspective refers to a system that reproduces spatial relationships so that objects appear proportionally smaller as their distance from the observer increases, and so that parallel lines converge toward vanishing points on a horizon.

Linear perspective emerged in early Renaissance Europe, notably with Filippo Brunelleschi's experiments and later formalized by Leon Battista Alberti. Artists developed one-point, two-point, and three-point perspectives to simulate depth. An alternative cue, atmospheric (or aerial) perspective, uses changes in color, value, and detail with distance to suggest depth without relying on line convergence.

In mathematics and science, perspective refers to projection: the process of mapping points in a three-dimensional scene to a two-dimensional image. This is central to projective geometry and to the optics of cameras and eyes, described by the pinhole camera model.

In literature and film, perspective can denote point of view: first person, second person, or third person, with varying degrees of omniscience and reliability. Shifts in perspective can influence how information is presented and perceived.

In psychology, perspective-taking is the ability to adopt another’s mental viewpoint, supporting empathy and social understanding. It contrasts with perceptual perspective, which concerns depth cues and scene interpretation.