ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, June 23, 1996 TAG: 9606240126
SECTION: HOMES PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: Antiques & designs
SOURCE: KATHY SUE GRIGG
"Trompe l'oeil," translated from French, means to deceive the eye.
The illusionistic painting technique can be traced to the ancient Greeks. Then, it was revived during the Italian Renaissance.
Murals, frescoes and paintings that fooled the onlooker into thinking a landscape or architectural detail was real instead of an obvious representation fell into this category.
Often the device was used to amuse, to bring wonder, but it could also be used to open up a small enclosed room.
During the 15th century, the Gonzaga family of Mantua, Italy, decorated the marriage chamber in their castle. They called on the renowned painter Andrea Mantegna from Padua, Italy. He created an illusion that the low vault of the ceiling was actually oculus, a circular opening on the sky surrounded by a painted marble balustrade.
Woman and children appear to peep down over the edges, and chubby, winged cupids perch on the rail.
Trompe l'oeil is becoming more and more popular. Wallpaper once again is full of murals and faux scenes.
What I'd like to see is painted window shades. This was practiced in the 18th century. The shades pull down during the day and with the light behind them, they are beautiful and opalescent. At night they're wonderful for covering the opening.
I was visiting family friends in Charleston, S.C., when I first saw hand-painted shades. When I asked about them, Miss Jane simply replied, "Oh, yes, I adore my trompe l'oeil" shades.
I've never forgotten them.
LENGTH: Short : 41 linesby CNB