Anamorphic portrait of King François I (1494-1547), half-length, in a red gown, black fur-lined cloak and hat

The word 'anamorphic' derives from the Greek prefix ana-, meaning back or again, and morphe, meaning shape or form. The distorted perspective of this image required the viewer to use a special device, or take a specific vantage point, to reconstruct the portrait. A celebrated anamorphic portrait is that of Edward VI by Scrots in the National Portrait Gallery, London. This portrait of François I relates to Titian's portrait of the King in the Louvre, Paris.