Designed by Francesco Borromini, an architectural master of illusion, the Perspective Corridor is a forced perspective optical illusion in the arcaded courtyard of Palazzo Spada. The diminishing rows of Tuscan columns and the rising mosaic floor create the visual illusion of a gallery spanning 37 meters, although in reality it is only 8 meters long with a statue of Mars (the Roman god of war) measuring only 31 inches tall.

With Borromini’s perspective corridor, there is more than meets the eye. Inside this architectural illusion lies a moral. To the work, Cardinal Spada added a short poem: “In the same way that illusions may cause small shapes to appear great, worldly matters held to be great may prove to be illusory and insignificant.”

Photographed in Rome, Italy.

Orientation: Portrait

Available in four sizes – 5″x7″ | 8″x10″ | 12″x16″ | 16″x20″

(art print only or with custom-framing – select options for more details)

Printed on 100% cotton archival paper. Acid-free and pH buffered with a textured matte finish. Basis weight: 305 grams per square meter.

Made in Canada. Mister Antonio Art ©