1. a decorative painting technique that creates the optical illusion of three-dimensional objects on a flat surface
Usage: art term; from French ‘trompe-l’oeil’

Examples

• The artist used trompe techniques to make the flat wall appear to have architectural details.
• The ceiling’s trompe painting made visitors look up in amazement at the seemingly real sky.
• Museum visitors were fooled by the trompe doorway that was actually just painted on the wall.
• The decorator employed trompe methods to create fake windows in the windowless room.
• Renaissance masters were known for their skillful use of trompe in frescoes.