Wundt illusion

The Wundt illusion is an optical illusion that was first described by the German psychologist Wilhelm Wundt in the 19th century.

[1] The two red vertical lines are both straight, but they may look as if they are bowed inwards to some observers.

The distortion is induced by the crooked lines on the background, as in the Orbison illusion.

The Hering illusion produces a similar, but inverted effect.

This is not confined to simple line drawings, as this can also be seen in buildings, parking meters, as well as other things viewed in a natural setting.