foreshortening

[/fɔːrˈʃɔːr.tən.ɪŋ/]
nounpl: foreshortening (uncountable)
encurtamento perspectivo
1. A technique in art where objects are depicted as shorter than they actually are to create the illusion of depth and recession in space, particularly when an object extends toward or away from the viewer
The artist used foreshortening to make the figure's arm appear to extend toward the viewer.
O artista usou encurtamento perspectivo para fazer o braço da figura parecer se estender em direção ao espectador.
2. The visual effect or appearance of something appearing compressed or shortened due to perspective
The foreshortening of the legs in the reclining pose created a dramatic composition.
O encurtamento perspectivo das pernas na pose reclinada criou uma composição dramática.
3. In general usage, the act of making something appear shorter or reducing its apparent length
The foreshortening of the deadline forced us to work faster.
O encurtamento do prazo nos forçou a trabalhar mais rápido.
Foreshortening is a fundamental concept in Western art traditions, particularly emphasized in Renaissance and classical training. The term is widely used in art schools, museums, and among artists in both Brazil and the USA. It represents a key skill in representational drawing and painting, associated with the ability to depict three-dimensional space convincingly on a two-dimensional surface. The concept gained prominence during the Renaissance when artists like Mantegna explored dramatic foreshortening effects in their works.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
perspective compressionspatial compressionperspective effectshorteningdiminution
Antonyms / Antônimos
elongationextensionlengthening

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
encurtamento perspectivo
Standard term used in art education and criticism
General Brazilian Portuguese
perspectiva reduzida
Alternative phrase meaning reduced perspective
Portugal
encurtamento perspectivo
Same standard term as Brazil; used in Portuguese art schools
Technical/Academic
compressão perspectiva
More technical term used in art theory

Related Words

perspectivedepth perceptionrecessionvanishing pointlinear perspectiveatmospheric perspectiveforeshortenillusionism

Related Idioms & Phrases

the foreshortening effect
foreshortening technique
applying foreshortening
mastering foreshortening
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