Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

foreshortening

noun

/ˌfɔːrˈʃɔːrtnɪŋ/

Definition

The compression of an object in a perspective view, making it appear shorter than it is.

Examples

In painting, foreshortening gives a sense of realism by altering the proportions of figures according to their distance.
The artist skillfully employed foreshortening to draw attention to the central figure in the composition.
When learning about foreshortening, students often practice by drawing objects from various angles.

Meaning

In art and photography, foreshortening is a technique used to create an illusion of depth and perspective by depicting an object or figure in a way that makes it seem shorter than it really is due to the angle of view.