Leonardo's constraint: two opaque objects cannot be seen in the same direction

J Exp Psychol Gen. 2003 Jun;132(2):253-65. doi: 10.1037/0096-3445.132.2.253.

Abstract

Given Leonardo's constraint that 2 opaque objects cannot be seen in the same direction, how are the regions of objects occluded to 1 eye included in perception? To answer this question, the authors presented 3-dimensional stimuli, similar to the ones that concerned Leonardo, and measured the visual directions of their monocular and binocular regions. When the distance between near and far objects was large, the nonfixated object was seen as double and blurry. Leonardo's constraint was met by seeing the near object as double and transparent or the distant object as double and superimposed. When the distance between near and far objects was small, the constraint was met by a perceptual displacement and compression of parts of the nonfixated object.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Depth Perception
  • Fixation, Ocular / physiology
  • History, 15th Century
  • Italy
  • Paintings / history*
  • Visual Perception*

Personal name as subject

  • Leonardo da Vinci