Definition of

Depth

Art

Through the use of proportions and various techniques, a painter can generate an effect of depth in his work.

Depth , from the Latin profunditas , is the quality of deep (something that is deeper than regular, that is extended along or that penetrates a lot). Depth also refers to the deep part of something (such as, for example, a swimming pool).

Let's look at its use in some example sentences: “Be careful: this pool is almost three meters deep,” “He went deep into the forest and never came back,” “As he descended, the cave seemed to have a depth.” growing.”

Depth effect on a flat surface

Depth allows us to name the dimension of bodies perpendicular to a given surface.

On flat surfaces, depth is just an effect that is achieved according to various techniques and the use of proportions: “The artist achieved a sensation of depth with faint lines and careful use of light,” “The depth that “The street artist has managed to give his work truly impressive.”

Sink

The depth of a pool is given by the distance between its bottom and the surface.

3D technology

In computer -generated graphics, the appearance of depth represented a great revolution, both in the film and entertainment industries, although it has also had an impact on science. In this case, however, it is necessary to distinguish between images constructed from points located in a three-dimensional world and stereoscopic projections , that is, those that allow viewers to perceive the depth of the scenarios, as if the screen were a window to another. reality.

To the confusion of many consumers, both technologies are abbreviated the same way: 3D . However, stereoscopy is a very old practice, dating back to the mid-19th century, which consists of showing each eye a different image, the same scene seen from two slightly different angles, so that the brain is able to recreate the depth. without much effort.

Three-dimensional objects created by computer can be shown on two-dimensional screens , as is the case in most cases, for two decades now: tens of millions of people have been exploring worlds for years whose depth they must understand through their own experience, since Conventional monitors do not offer any type of help to the brain for this calculation.

depth of a wound

It is interesting to mention that a deep wound is one that goes through the skin and can penetrate into the body until it reaches the muscles and bones.

“The depth of the wound forced the doctors to operate urgently” is an expression that shows this use of the notion.

Symbolic use of the concept

In a metaphorical or symbolic sense, depth is the penetration or depth of ideas or thoughts. The deep, therefore, is opposite to the superficial .

In other words, it is a concept that implies getting to the essence of a question and not remaining in what is apparent: “It is a very profound book, through which the author bares his soul and delivers his most private confessions,” “ In an effort to demonstrate their depth, many celebrities ignore their interviewers' questions and make very forced statements .

Depth and subjectivity

It should be noted that the depth of an idea or, broadly speaking, of a person is relative to the appreciation of another individual, which is why it is not a rigid or static characteristic of their personality. For many, being attracted to fashion and aesthetic trends is a superficial attitude, which pays attention to material things and neglects inner development; Likewise, there is a generalized idea that describes those who are passionate about reading as profound.

However, it is especially difficult for human beings to observe our own lives from an external perspective , to judge ourselves as others do, to accept and understand our defects and our weaknesses; Therefore, it cannot be expected that a person who is superficial in the eyes of another person should recognize this, or that someone considered profound and highly educated should have that same vision of themselves.