What is foreshortening in the context of artistic perspective?

Foreshortening refers to a artistic technique used to create the illusion of an object receding strongly into the distance or appearing shorter than it is in reality, due to the perspective from which it is viewed. This technique effectively portrays depth by adjusting the size and proportions of the parts of a subject, such that parts that are closer to the viewer are depicted in a larger, more exaggerated scale, while those further away appear smaller.

The effectiveness of foreshortening lies in its ability to draw the eye into the artwork, creating a dynamic sense of three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface. By implementing foreshortening in artworks, artists can achieve a more lifelike representation of figures and objects, making the composition feel more immersive and realistic. This technique is particularly noticeable in the depiction of human figures and is a fundamental element used in figure drawing and painting.