Constructing the picture | Building the Picture | National Gallery, London

Amanda Lillie with contributions from Caroline Campbell and Alasdair Flint

In this first essay for the online exhibition publication ‘Building the Picture: Architecture in Italian Renaissance Painting’, read about how artists designed their paintings and created their compositions incorporating architectural elements.

Using the rules of perspective and creating the illusion of space, artists created architectural structures within their paintings which ultimately served to reinforce the subject matter they were depicting.

Lorenzo Costa and Gianfrancesco Maineri, 'The Virgin and Child with Saints'

Catalogue entry for Lorenzo Costa and Gianfrancesco Maineri, 'The Virgin and Child with Saints (The Pala Strozzi)' by Caroline Campbell

Catalogue extract

Domenico Veneziano, 'The Virgin and Child Enthroned (Carnesecchi Tabernacle)'

Catalogue entry for Domenico Veneziano, 'The Virgin and Child Enthroned (Carnesecchi Tabernacle)' by Amanda Lillie

Catalogue extract

Giovanni Mansueti, 'Symbolic Representation of the Crucifixion'

Catalogue entry for Giovanni Mansueti, 'Symbolic Representation of the Crucifix' by Caroline Campbell and Amanda Lillie

Catalogue extract

Alvise Vivarini, 'The Virgin and Child Enthroned in a Chapel'

Catalogue entry for Alvise Vivarini, 'The Virgin and Child Enthroned in a Chapel' by Caroline Campbell

Catalogue extract

After Antonello da Messina, 'Five Compositional Studies'

Catalogue entry for after Antonello da Messina, 'Five Compositional Studies' by Alasdair Flint

Catalogue extract

Lorenzo Costa, 'Christ in the House of Simon the Pharisee'

Catalogue entry for Lorenzo Costa, 'Christ in the House of Simon the Pharisee' by Caroline Campbell and Amanda Lillie

Catalogue extract