ILLUSIVE MUSE

     We are all familiar with the age-old traditions of tromp l’oeil which date back to the Early Classical Roman Period. Since most examples of ancient trompe l’oeil have been lost due to environmental conditions over time, our most complete record of such painting were discovered when the ancient city of Pompeii was unearthed.  The eruption of Mount Vesuvius was so great that it effectively mummified the entire city, thus, leaving it magnificently preserved nearly 2,000 years later.

     Through time, trompe l’oeil has maintained its relevance as painting and perspective techniques have grown ever more nuanced. Ever popular in Europe, it has made frequent appearances in art, architecture, furniture and fashion. In the Moderne Period, the Institut Geurlain was famously filled with playful trompe l’oeil architectural details and a decade later, Hermes dedicated an entire line to the method. 

      Today, we see trompe l’oeil modernized with some of the most notable applications found street art. The surrealistic approach to design adds a level of whimsy that kindles our imagination….and, after all, isn’t that what good design should do?

                                                                Institute Guerlain c 1939

  Hermes Dress

Fornasetti

Chanel "Tattoos"

Street art by the prolific genius Banksy

D'Espresso, NYC