This perspective must be taken into consideration

This perspective must be taken into consideration and the space regulated so that the person painted stands or sits a little back in the imaginary room, and well inside the frame. The space underfoot and in front of the figure must be painted to represent a floor of some kind. A Turkish or Persian rug is effective, and a parquet, where theboards are indicated, gives a suggestion of space and atmosphere.

With such a foreground, a full sweeping portiere of rich, heavy material, such as plush cloth or tapestry, forms an appropriate background, and a tall jar or vase holding grasses, flowers, or peacocks' feathers, composes well in this connection.

In order to avoid a perfectly straight line for the floor, pull the drapery of the portiere forward on one side, letting the end lie on the floor in irregular folds, reaching almost to the bottom of the canvas.