What technique did artists of the Renaissance use to create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a flat surface?

During the Renaissance, linear perspective became a revolutionary technique that allowed artists to create the illusion of three-dimensional space on a flat surface. This method involves using a vanishing point on the horizon line and drawing all lines parallel to this point to converge, mimicking how objects appear smaller as they recede into the distance. This approach not only reflects a scientific understanding of geometry and optics but also aligns with the Renaissance emphasis on realism and the representation of space.

The use of linear perspective transformed how space and depth were represented in art, making compositions feel more realistic and immersive. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Filippo Brunelleschi were instrumental in developing this technique, leading to a significant shift in the portrayal of space in art during this period.

Other options, while related to artistic techniques, do not specifically address the systematic approach to spatial illusion that linear perspective provides. Foreshortening pertains to the depiction of an object or figure in a picture in depth. Atmospheric perspective involves the use of color and clarity to simulate distance but lacks the structural framework provided by linear perspective. Impasto refers to a technique where paint is laid on the canvas very thickly, which influences texture rather than spatial representation.