panoramy

Panoramy, or panoramas, are wide, immersive representations that depict a broad field of view, typically much wider than standard photographs or paintings. They can be created as traditional paintings, prints, photographs, or digital media and are designed to surround or engage the viewer. Panoramas have been used to convey landscapes, cityscapes, battles, and other large-scale scenes in a single, cohesive view.

Etymology and origin: The term panorama derives from Greek pan "all" and horama "view." It was popularized in the late 18th century with the emergence of large, immersive formats intended to envelop the observer. Early panoramas appeared in Europe in the 1780s and 1790s, laying groundwork for more elaborate, cycloramic and rotunda displays.

Historical forms: Traditional panoramas were shown in purpose-built spaces such as rotundas or panorama houses. A single enormous painting or a sequence of panels could encircle the viewer, who stood in the center or moved around the circumference. Cycloramas are related forms—a large circular or cylindrical painting projected or painted around a central viewing area to enhance immersion.

Photography and digital evolution: In photography, panoramas were produced by rotating cameras or by stitching multiple images to create wide, seamless views. As digital technology advanced, 360-degree panoramas and interactive formats became common, enabling virtual tours, geographic mapping, and virtual reality experiences.

Applications and usage: Panoramas are used in art, tourism, journalism, cartography, architecture, and online media to convey spatial context, enhance storytelling, or allow virtual exploration of distant places.

See also: Panorama painting, Cyclorama, Panoramic photography, 360-degree image, Photosphere.