trompe l'oeil

trompe l'oeil Definition

trompe l'oeil (trōnp lë′y')

noun

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
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.

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