Graphical perspective studies the means by which the illusion of three dimensional space is achieved on a two dimensional plane.

Within the category of graphical perspective lies a subset of images in the manner that a fine artist might produce - in which the production of a three dimensional illusion is completely intuitive according to the artist’s knowledge and talents.

In addition to the artist’s intuitive perspective there is a category of graphical images which are produced by the phenomenon of projection. Graphical projection uses a precision greater that the freehand abilities of a fine artist and is executed with drafting instruments or computer on a two dimensional plane.

Perspective in icons

Traditionally, development of various types of perspective is studied through the analysis of icons.

In most modern drawings/paintings the linear perspective is used: the further the objects are from the viewer, the smaller they are drawn and the closer they are positioned to the so-called vanishing point or points, so that the (drawing of the) most remote objects completely disappear in the vicinity of these points.

Under the linear perspective the vanishing point or points are usually placed inside the painting with the illusion that it is "beyond" the drawing.

Under the reversed perspective, or inverse perspective, or Byzantine perspective the further the objects, the larger they are drawn. (The latter name is because thes kind of perspective is observed in earlier Byzantine and Russian Orthodox icons.) Technically, the vanishing points are placed outside the painting with the illusion that they are "in front of" the painting.

It is difficult to say now what were the intentions of the ancient iconographers, but a common interpretation is that the point of perspective is on the viewer, hence The Almighty looks upon him, rather than the viewer looks upon The Almighty.

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