scene / picture surface
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to disappear from / appear on the scene
A fixed expression meaning that someone or something is suddenly no longer publicly present, or conversely suddenly makes an appearance.
Nach dem Skandal ist der Politiker für Monate von der Bildfläche verschwunden.
After the scandal, the politician disappeared from the scene for months.
The word is a compound of 'das Bild' (picture/image) and 'die Fläche' (surface/area). Its literal meaning is therefore the surface on which an image can be seen.
Der Maler verteilte die Farbe auf der gesamten Bildfläche.
The painter spread the paint across the entire picture surface.
The figurative meaning exists almost only in two fixed expressions: 'von der Bildfläche verschwinden' (to no longer be publicly visible / to disappear from the scene) and 'auf der Bildfläche erscheinen' (to suddenly become publicly visible / to appear on the scene).
Nach ihrem Erfolg ist die Band plötzlich von der Bildfläche verschwunden.
After their success, the band suddenly disappeared from the scene.
The verbs 'erscheinen' (to appear) or 'verschwinden' (to disappear) almost always signal the figurative, idiomatic meaning. If the context is about physical properties such as scratches, size, or cleaning, the literal meaning is intended.
Die Schauspielerin war lange von der Bildfläche verschwunden. (übertragen)
The actress had disappeared from the scene for a long time. (figurative)
public
'die Öffentlichkeit' and 'die Bildfläche' can both have to do with public visibility. 'die Öffentlichkeit' is the normal word for the general public or an audience. 'die Bildfläche' is used in fixed expressions like 'auf der Bildfläche erscheinen' (to appear on the scene) or 'von der Bildfläche verschwinden' (to disappear from the scene). In that case, it means that someone suddenly becomes visible or is no longer present. The words can be confused because both have to do with being known or visible. But in this meaning, 'Bildfläche' sounds natural almost only in these expressions.
Nach langer Pause erschien die Sängerin wieder auf der Bildfläche.
After a long break, the singer appeared on the scene again.
Nach dem Unfall informierte die Polizei die Öffentlichkeit.
After the accident, the police informed the public.