A painter works on a two-dimensional surface; the projection of the third dimension has to be achieved deliberately––both in the representation of single objects and in the representation of several objects in a spatial relationship. The choice a painter makes regarding the issues of space and three-dimensionality has both metaphysical and epistemological significance. Mrs. Sures presents the history of painting from the standpoint of these fundamental issues. Using examples from ancient Egypt to the present, she explains how and why painting consistently reflects the predominant philosophy of an age. (Includes material from a book Mrs. Sures is writing.)