trompe l'oeil Hear it!

trompe l'oeil Definition

trompe l'oeil (trōnp lëy')

noun

  1. a painting, etc. that creates such a strong illusion of reality that the viewer may not at first be sure whether the thing depicted is real or a representation
  2. an illusion or effect of this kind

Etymology: Fr, lit., trick of the eye

trompe l'oeil Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • painting: The cathedral has no dome, but inside, a trompe l'oeil painting on its ceiling gives the illusion of a dome.
  • effect: The garden is full of trompe l'oeil effects and surrounded by mature trees.
  • fresco: In the dramatic Cupola Room his trompe l'oeil fresco gives the effect of a dome although it is only 3.5 inches in depth.
  • mural: The restored decoration of the High Dining Room was based on the remains of the trompe l'oeil murals on the north wall.
  • wall: A 15th century nobleman's palace, there are smatterings of period furniture and trompe l'oeil walls in what is quite a denuded exhibit.

Browse dictionary entries near trompe l'oeil

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  7. Trollope
  8. trollop
  9. Trolling/Baiting/Flaming
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