Space in paintings

While doing the rounds of the major galleries and museums in Berlin, we saw a lot of paintings. I was surprised to find myself captivated by these two paintings - and not just because there happened to be a bench nearby, so as to sit and look at them for a while -

They turn the pictorial space into perceived space rather wonderfully, don't you think? The gestures of the characters seem to take advantage of that spaciousness.

What would these scenes look like if they were staged and photographed? Do the gold frames help make the space? How do colours - and, especially, tone - contribute? As you look at them, do you suspend your disbelief?