aerial perspective

American  

noun

1. a technique of rendering depth or distance in painting by modifying the tone or hue and distinctness of objects perceived as receding from the picture plane, especially by reducing distinctive local colors and contrasts of light and dark to a uniform light bluish-gray color.

---

aerial perspective British  

noun

1. Also called: atmospheric perspective.  a means of indicating relative distance in terms of a gradation of clarity, tone, and colour, esp blue

---

Etymology

Origin of aerial perspective

First recorded in 1725–35

Example Sentences

McCarthy celebrated Masaccio’s frescoes for their “spatial immensity, deep, massive volumes, and implacable candour of vision, which sweeps across the panels in aerial perspective like the searching ray of a lighthouse.”

From New York Times • Apr. 13, 2022

We actually say, “We have this air quality, and we have a sun out here,” and it creates the whole sky, all the aerial perspective, all the god-rays.

From The Verge • Dec. 21, 2018

“That aerial perspective may help us spot that person quicker than officers on the ground.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2018

The aerial perspective this escape offers doesn’t immediately evaporate either.

From Slate • May 14, 2018

The painter can imitate aerial perspective although many centuries elapsed before mankind was keen enough to note its presence in nature.

From Visual Illusions Their Causes, Characteristics and Applications by Luckiesh, Matthew