Baroque architecture used illusion in several ways:
1. Perspective: Baroque architects used forced perspective to create the illusion of depth, making the building appear larger and more imposing. They often used long, straight axes and allowed the viewer to see the building from a distance to achieve this effect.
2. Light and Shadow: Baroque architects used light and shadow to create the illusion of depth, with dramatic effects created by light falling on sculptures, carvings, and paintings. They also used curved surfaces and dramatic lighting to create the illusion that walls and ceilings were receding into infinity.
3. Trompe l'oeil: Baroque architects made frequent use of trompe l'oeil (meaning "deceive the eye") decoration, creating realistic and convincing illusions of three-dimensional objects on flat surfaces. This could include murals or paintings on the ceiling, giving the illusion of a opening into the sky.
4. Ornamentation: Baroque architects used ornamental details such as stucco, frescoes, and gilt to create highly decorative facades. They enhanced the effect by placing curvilinear elements on a straight wall, making it appear to curve.
Together, these techniques made buildings appear grand, imposing and dramatic,often creating the illusion of a celestial presence within churches and refectories.
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