What enhances the perception of depth in artwork?

The enhancement of depth perception in artwork is significantly influenced by the use of color, scale, and chiaroscuro. Color can create atmospheric perspective; as objects recede into the background, they may appear less saturated and lighter. Scale helps in establishing relationships between objects, providing cues about their proximity or distance from the viewer. Chiaroscuro, the technique of using strong contrasts between light and dark to model three-dimensional forms, contributes to the illusion of volume and depth in a two-dimensional space. This combination effectively communicates a sense of three-dimensionality and helps guide the viewer's eye through the artwork.

In contrast, limiting color usage can result in a flat appearance, as there are fewer tonal variations to suggest depth. Adding only flat shapes may create a simplistic, two-dimensional representation with no sense of perspective. Focusing solely on surface detail can lead to a lack of depth, as the visual information does not consider how forms are affected by light and spatial relationships. Each of these factors can detract from the overall perception of depth, making option C the most comprehensive and effective approach to illustrating depth in artwork.