From the earliest days of human existence, illusions made people curious. Some would call it witchcraft, some would say it’s magic, but some knew that it was all a fantasy. Scientists believe that even prehistoric artists created mind-bending rock paintings in caves on the territory of current-day France and Germany.
A part of our exhibition is copies of crafts created in ancient times: one of them can be traced back to the Han dynasty, which ruled China from 206 BC until 220 AD. Since the object was made to tease the mind of an emperor, it will surely test your perception and judgement.
As the world developed, in later periods, many craftsmen and artists used all kinds of techniques to create illusions in paintings, sculptures and other types of craft. In that way, artists created amazement and excitement to build up their reputation and promote their work in courts throughout Europe and the “old world”.
