This section offers a glossary specifically designed to illuminate the mechanics of visual perception as it is particularly relevant to Bonnard's paintings. It does not pretend to offer a comprehensive account of the terminology of the psychology of perception. A word in italics refers to a part of the eye shown in the diagram of the eye. Return to this page by choosing the words VISUAL PERCEPTION at top. Choose one of the following questions or view a glossary of terms related to Visual Perception. What did Bonnard mean when he defined painting as "the transcription of the adventures of the optic nerve"? How does an image of the world reach the optic nerve? This text, by John Elderfield, Chief Curator At Large and Deputy Director for Curatorial Affairs, is adapted from sections of his essay, "Seeing Bonnard," in Bonnard, the catalogue of the exhibition, and incorporates the advice of Julian Hochberg, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, Columbia University. ©1998 The Museum of Modern Art, New York