The Droste effect, known in art as an example of mise en abyme, is the effect of a picture recursively appearing within itself, in a place where a similar picture would realistically be expected to appear. This produces a loop which in theory could go on forever, but in practice only continues as far as the image's resolution allows.
The original 1904 Droste cocoa tin, designed by Jan Misset (1861–1931)
Droste effect by image manipulation
The early 14th century Stefaneschi Triptych. In the central panel is the kneeling figure of Cardinal Stefaneschi ...
Royal Baking Powder, early 20th century
In Western art history, mise en abyme is the technique of placing a copy of an image within itself, often in a way that suggests an infinitely recurring sequence. In film theory and literary theory, it refers to the story within a story technique.
Las Meninas by Velázquez, used by Gide to demonstrate the technique of mise en abyme
Southwestern entrance mosaic of Hagia Sophia, Constantinople, depicting both Hagia Sophia itself and Constantinople, both offered to Jesus and the Virgin Mary