The Spooky Optical Illusion in a 600-Year-Old Painting

The optical illusion in the most well-known work of Hans Holbein, one of the greatest portraitists of the 16th century, painted in 1533, is among the oldest known illusions.

We use it sometimes as an intelligence test, sometimes as a source of entertainment, especially as a tool of superiority in childhood. visual illusions, continues its existence as an ageless functional tool throughout history. It would be an exaggeration to say that technology, evolution, revolution, optical illusion that does not recognize innovation may be even older than the history of humanity, but it is enough to explain its existence.

Last year, archaeologists in France determined that the figure on a hunting tool dating back 14,000 years could look like a mammoth or bison, depending on the point of view, and this figure is considered the oldest optical illusion. Figures in the early days of human history, paintings drawn centuries ago and contemporary artworks keep optical illusions up to date. german painter Hans Holbein’s Apostles painting in 1533 Optical illusion is also among these works.

Clever and an illusion of life

In the 16th century painting by German painter Hans Holbein, one of the greatest portraitists, in 1533, showing the French ambassador to England, Jean de Dinteville, and his friend Georges de Selve, vague image below the picture visible when viewed from the right.

The skull, which is also mentioned in the video and can be seen when viewed from the right, is a clever illusion as well as a meaning for life. At first glance, the two people are depicted gracefully, proudly and richly. The objects in the picture, the high rank and status of the people find their place in the picture. But when you change your perspective, you come across a skull in the middle of this splendor. Skull, commonly used at that time memento moriwell “remember you will die” message.


source site