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What is 2-point and 3-point perspective?

Perspective is a way of looking at things. In art, it is how the viewer perceives the subject. Perspective is the method artists use to give two-dimensional drawings the illusion of depth, or three-dimensional space. There are multiple types of perspective in art.

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For Example

Study the artworks below. How are the buildings in these works different from each other? How does the viewer's perspective change? After you have thought about these questions, click on each image to take a closer look and learn more about the type of perspective it uses.

the-embarkation-of-the-queen-of-sheba-1648
the-embarkation-of-the-queen-of-sheba-1648

The Embarkation of the Queen of Sheba by Claude Lorrain, 1648
This artwork uses a linear, or a one-point, perspective. This means that all the lines on the artwork go toward one vanishing point. In this case, the vanishing point is an area right under the setting sun. With a linear perspective, the side of the building facing the viewer appears flat.

building-of-the-temple-of-jerusalem
building-of-the-temple-of-jerusalem

Building of the Temple of Jerusalem by Jean Fouquet, c. 1470
This artwork uses a two-point perspective. Lines lead to two vanishing points that are located off the frame. A two-point perspective is often used to show the corner of a building or two streets disappearing in opposite directions. The sides of the building appear to get smaller as they move toward the vanishing points.

tower-of-babel
tower-of-babel

Tower of Babel by M.C. Escher, 1928
This artwork uses a three-point perspective. The lines vanish to two points on either side and a third point at the bottom. This type of perspective is often used to show extreme height. With this perspective, the structure appears to get smaller as it moves towards the third vanishing point.

Most landscapes use linear perspective to show depth, and it tends to be the easiest of the three to portray. In this lesson, we will focus on the more complicated two-point and three-point perspectives.