picture plane

noun

1. the plane of a painting, drawing, or the like, that is in the extreme foreground of a picture, is coextensive with but not the same as the material surface of the work, is the point of visual contact between the viewer and the picture, and is conceived as a major structural element in the production of abstract or illusionistic forms.

Word History and Origins

Origin of picture plane¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

All horizontal lines which are parallel with the picture plane are drawn parallel with each other, and with the line of sight.

From Project Gutenberg

All horizontals which are at 45 to the picture plane are drawn to the point of distance.

From Project Gutenberg

This is a side view of the previous figure, the picture plane K being represented edgeways, and the line SE its full length.

From Project Gutenberg

This point of distance becomes then the measuring point for all horizontals at right angles to the picture plane.

From Project Gutenberg

All horizontals which are at right angles to the picture plane are drawn to the point of sight.

From Project Gutenberg