Linear perspective is an artistic technique used to create the illusion of depth and space on a flat surface. It involves drawing lines that converge at a single point on the horizon, known as the vanishing point. This method helps artists depict objects and scenes in a way that mimics how the human eye perceives the world. By using orthogonal lines that lead to the vanishing point, artists can accurately represent the size and position of objects as they recede into the distance. This technique was developed during the Renaissance and has since become a fundamental principle in art and design.