National Gallery of ArtThe National Gallery of Art was created in 1937 for the people of the United States of America by a joint resolution of Congress, accepting the gift of financier and art collector Andrew W. Mellon. During the 1920s, Mr. Mellon began collecting with the intention of forming a gallery of art for the nation in Washington. In 1937, the year of his death, he promised his collection to the United States. Funds for the construction of the West Building were provided by The A. W. Mellon Educational and.Empire of the Eye: The Magic of Illusion-St. Francis of Paola, Performer of Miracles, Part 6 of 7- August 5, 2008 St. Francis of Paola, Performer of Miracles, one of the largest anamorphic paintings in existence today, is located in Santa Maria dei Monti at the top of the Spanish Steps in Rome. Computer animation illustrates how this extraordinary use of foreshortening creates an image that fools the eye.http://luxmedia.vo.llnwd.net/o10/clients/nationalgallery/illusion/06_miracles.m4v Empire of the Eye: The Magic of Illusion-Palazzo Spada's Corridor, Part 5 of 7- August 5, 2008 Palazzo Spada's Corridor in Rome demonstrates the use of forced perspective. Special effects reveal how Borromini used an optical trick to create the illusion of depth.http://luxmedia.vo.llnwd.net/o10/clients/nationalgallery/illusion/05_borromini.m4v |