What does 'trompe-l'œil' aim to achieve in painting?

'Trompe-l'œil' is a technique in painting that literally translates to "deceive the eye" in French. The primary goal of this artistic method is to create an optical illusion that makes two-dimensional artwork appear three-dimensional. This is achieved through careful manipulation of perspective, shading, and proportion, allowing viewers to perceive depth and realistic forms that seem to pop out of the canvas.

This technique has been employed throughout art history, particularly in frescoes and architectural paintings, to enhance the space and give the illusion of more tangible, three-dimensional elements in a flat medium. Thus, option C accurately captures the essence of 'trompe-l'œil' by emphasizing its role in tricking the viewer's perception.

While other options might relate to various artistic concepts, they do not align with the specific intention of 'trompe-l'œil.' Creating abstract designs focuses more on non-representational forms without the aim of mimicking three-dimensionality. Replicating photographic images involves a different art form, emphasizing realism but not necessarily the illusionistic qualities of 'trompe-l'œil.' Illustrating movement and light pertains to conveying dynamic elements and the passage of time, diverging from the primary intention of visual deception in depth that