Definition & Meaning of "trompe l'oeil"

What is “Trompe l’oeil”?

“Trompe l’oeil” is a French phrase that means “trick the eye.” It’s a technique in art where the painter creates an illusion that the things they have painted are real and not just a flat picture. For example, they might paint a window that looks like you could reach out and open it, or a vase that seems like you could pick it up. This trick is done by using shadows and light in a way that makes everything look three-dimensional, even though it’s actually on a flat surface. It’s like a magic trick in art that makes you think you’re seeing real objects instead of a painting.