Final answer:
The illusions of light and space in painting were achieved through techniques designed to draw in the viewer, with notable advancements during the Italian Renaissance and later in Impressionism, which focused on capturing the fleeting effects of light.
Step-by-step explanation:
The representations of light on 3D forms and the illusions of space within paintings were largely a result of techniques intended to involve the viewer, developed during the Italian Renaissance and carried through to later art movements like Impressionism. The innovation of linear perspective during the Renaissance was critical in creating an accurate illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface, utilizing a horizon line and vanishing points to give a sense of depth.
Moreover, the emergence of Impressionism brought a significant emphasis on capturing the natural light and color as perceived in the moment, with artists painting en plein air to better capture the shifting conditions of light. This movement favored quick, dynamic brushstrokes and a focus on the way light affected the appearance of color. Impressionist artists aimed to depict the modern sensation of seeing light change incessantly in the landscape.