The Rückenfigur: A Note on an Intriguing Rear-View Pictorial Device. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schott, Geoffrey D.
• Is Part Of: Perception. Volume 49:Number 5(2020)
• Page Start: 600
• Page End: 605
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Rückenfigur -- rear-view -- vision -- gaze -- perception; Perception -- Periodicals; Perception -- Periodicals; Perception; Periodicals; 153.705
• DOI: 10.1177/0301006620912361
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-0066

Abstract

The Rückenfigur, a rear-view depiction of a person, is an artistic device which dates back several centuries but became particularly prominent in 19th century in Germany. The adoption of the rear-view presents an intriguing challenge, since the viewer must engage with a figure which sees without visible eyes. Considered here are some of the perceptual issues which arise from this unusual pictorial device.