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247 Cards in this Set
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abstract
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20th century art, communicating meaning through lines, colours, forms, textures, rather then imitating material objects in reality.
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abstracted
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Taken from something we can recognise but not represented realistically.
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Abstract Expressionism
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American painting movement- 1940's and 50's, abstraction and self-expression
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abutment
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Architecture, solid block, made to counteract the lateral thrust of a vault or arch
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academicism
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Traditionalism, a formal rule bound appreciation, especially in the arts.
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acrylic paint medium
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Synthetic, quick drying, and versatile, applied thickly or thinly, but suited for areas of flat un-modulated colour.
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additive process
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Adding one thing to another, such as clay to\ a model |
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aedicule
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A small structure, contains statue , framed by columns supporting entablature and a pediment, use to describe a framed opening
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alloy
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e.g. bronze= tin+ copper
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Analytical Cubism
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The phase of Cubism, 1909-1912, dissolution of form (deforming something e.g. a cube with round edges). Analysis of a subject through fragmentation and reassembly, the inter-penetration of planes in a shallow space and a virtually monochromatic colour palette consisting of ochres/browns/greys.
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anthropocentrism
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Believe human beings are the most central or most significant species on earth |
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Antiquity |
Referring to the classical past, before the Middle ages.
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applied arts
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Ceramics, furniture, construction, decorative objects (jewellery) etc. not considered "fine arts". Crafts and design, referred to more pejoratively as the minor arts. |
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applied plaster |
Applying wet plaster layer by layer, to an armature, when making a sculpture. |
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armature |
A frame supporting the sculpture, made of wire or more substantial metal manipulated into the sculptor's chosen form |
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art market |
Primary- comes to market for sale for the first time Secondary- when the purchaser of a piece decides to sell it on |
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Arts and Crafts movement |
Initially a British movement, 19th century, advocated craftsmanship and honest use of traditional materials and techniques |
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assemblage |
Form of sculpture, objects being put together to create art. Objects are often found objects. |
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atmospheric perspective/ aerial perspsective |
Describes changes in tone and colour that occur when an object recedes the horizon. Appear bluish further away from the viewer and colours fade. Atmospheric/ aerial perspective refers to the effect of an object being viewed in the distance through the atmosphere. |
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atrium |
Architecture, a sky-lit central court or cavity, often rising through several floors. |
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automation |
A workerless system of production, machine or computer controlled manufacturing. Relating to the displacement of human skill involved in the production process. |
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avant-garde |
Art or artists regarded to be at the forefront of artistic development, their work challenging convention. |
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azurite |
Mineral with a blue pigment, performs best with water based paint, such as tempura, rather than oil. |
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ballustrade |
Series of posts supporting a handrail on a staircase. |
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Baroque |
Describes mainly catholic art and architecture, 17th century Europe. Characterised by dynamism and theatricality. Baroque naturalism relates to the illusionary realistic art achieved by Caravaggio and his followers. |
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bas-relief or basso-rilievo |
A low relief sculpture which figures project more then half their depth from the background. |
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bel composto |
Synthesis of architecture, sculpture and painting from the baroque era -for example Bernini's Sant'Andrea al Quirinale |
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binder |
Any material that binds other materials- linseed oil in oil paint. |
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biomorphic |
Abstract forms that derive their form from organic shapes, rather than geometric ones. |
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blaxploitation |
"Black" "exploitation" refer to a film genre in the US in the 1970', films such as shaft, 1971, had funky and soul music as well as a black cast in stereotypical roles. |
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buon fresco |
"True fresco" paint applied to wet plaster.
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Byzantine Mosaics
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Wall and floor art, mainly pictorial, made of tiny pieces of glass and gemstone (tesserae). Peaked in western art during the Byzantine Empire era 300-1453, which developed from the Eastern Roman empire, whose capital was Byzantium (Istanbul) |
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canon
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Accepted standard or rule |
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canonical
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A group of officially recognised and accepted works.
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cantilevered
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Architecture, horizontal forms projecting from a wall or central core capable of carrying loads without support along its projection. |
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capitals |
Crown of a column |
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Caravaggisti
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Describes artist who follow the style of Italian Baroque artist Caravaggio. |
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caryatid
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Carved standing female figures used as load- bearing column to support an entablature
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centring
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In building, wooden framework used in construction of arches and vaults which is removed when the mortar is dry. |
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chasing
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The tooling of a metal surface by denting or hammering to create a pattern, texture or smoothing effect following the lost-wax process. |
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chiaroscuro
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Italian "light and dark", treatment of light and shade to achieve a 3-dimensional representation, or modelling. Applied to the dramatic use of light and dark in painting. |
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Classical Antiquity
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Classical period, Ancient- Greek/Roman/Egyptian from 6th century BC to the fall of the Roman empire in the 4th century ad |
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collaged
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Comes from the French to "gum" or to "glue"; material is stuck down to create a whole pictorial composition. |
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colonnade
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A row or series of columns at regular intervals carrying an entablature. |
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columns
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Free standing, usually supporting, upright architectural members. In classical architecture each column consists of a shaft, capital and (except in Doric) a base.
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commodification
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Turning everything into a commodity (something to be bought or sold) |
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complementary colours
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Pairs of colours which, when placed next to each other, create a strong contrast. The optical strengthening of such things was researched by Michel Eugene Chevreul in 1839. |
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confraternities
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Societies compromising of people who weren't part of a clergy (lay people) dedicated to a particular saint to do charitable causes. Due to the wealth gathered they could often commission artists to work for them.
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Constructivism |
Post revolutionary (1917) Russian art characterised by abstract angular forms and the use of "non-art" materials (metals, glass, wood, wire etc). Some of these artists questioned the socialist state and applied constructivist to architecture and design; others developed constructivism as abstract art movement that spread to the west. |
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continuous narrative
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Multiple scenes from a narrative, all in a single frame.
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contrapposto
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"set against" used to describe one part of the body twisting away from another, usually identified by the turn of shoulders and the hips in opposite directions. |
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contre-jour
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French photographic term to describe photos taken in the sun light. The effect is often a rim of light around the objects of the camera's lens. In painting, describes an object seen against the light. |
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corbels
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Architecture, a block of stone, wood or metal jutting from a wall to carry weight, such as oriel window. |
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Corinthian
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One of 5 classical orders in architecture, characterised by a slender fluted column with a flared capital decorated with florid acanthus leaves.
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cornice
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Italian "ledge", horizontal and decorative moulded projection of a building that forms the uppermost part of an entablature. |
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Counter-Reformation |
A period of revival for catholic church, prompted by the rise of Protestantism, starting with the council of Trent in 1545-1563. |
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crenellation
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A low wall (parapet) with indentations or raised elements, also known as a battlement. |
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crisis of masculinity |
Sociological term describing the feeling of loss of some men at the loss of traditional masculine roles. |
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cross-hatching |
Crossing lines of hatching to denote shading and tonal modelling. |
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cruciform
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Cross shaped
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Cubism
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Early 20th century movement in art (1907-1914, invented by George Braque (1882-1963) and Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), abandoned single-point perspective in favour of interlocking or faceted plane. 3 distinct phases: Proto-Cubism, Analytical Cubism, Synthetic Cubism. |
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curtain wall |
A non-load-bearing wall of a building. Its non structural function means it can be made of light weight materials such as glass, frequently used in skyscrapers where structure is internal steel or ferroconcrete (reinforced concrete) frame. |
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daguerrotype |
First widespread photographic process, 1839, A chemical reaction on silver surface formed an image. Invented by Louis-Jaques-Mande Daguerre. |
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Deconstructivist |
Late 20th century architecture (deconstructivism) that uses dislocated and fragmentary effects, creating a sense of disharmony and instability. It may be viewed as a reaction to the geometric regularity and harmony of Modern Movement buildings. |
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delineating |
Describing precisely (e.g. drawing using line to create a crisp, hard-edged finish) |
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De Stijl (pronounced duh-stahyl) |
Dutch artistic movement, "the style", pure geometric and abstract style. |
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donor portraits |
Donors are the patrons for religious works of art in Renaissance paintings, a portrait of them would usually be included in the scene. |
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Doric |
5 classical orders of architecture, distinguished by heavy fluted column and plain capital. |
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drum |
An upright and circular or polygonal-shaped base which supports a dome. |
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ducal |
relating to a Duke |
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Early Renaissance |
1400-1490 Italian art, principally in Florence. Artists include Donatello, very much around the idea of Humanism. |
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engaged column |
A column attached to the wall being between half and 3/4 of it's shaft expose, curvature distinguishes it from a pilaster. |
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entablature |
Classical architecture, continuous horizontal section supported by columns, architrave (main beam), frieze (horizontal decoration) and cornice. |
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essentialism |
Focus on the fundamental truth and basic elements of a person or thing. |
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ethnocentric |
Judging others cultures by criteria specific to one's own, usually implying inferiority. |
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Expresionism |
With a capital "E" relates specifically to two 20th century movements, Die Brucke (the bridge) and Der Blaue Reiter (The blue rider). Both non-naturalistic use of colour representing the world in a subjective emotional view. When a small "e" is used refers to art that expresses emotion or works by forerunners such as Van Gogh. |
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ex-voto |
An object such as a picture, presented as a votive (wish or desire) offering, often a shrine. |
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Fauves |
Early 20th century European avant-garde movement characterised by bold, disharmonious, colour palettes and dark outlines for expressive effect. Matisse (1869-1954)was their leading figure. |
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fenestration |
Arrangement of windows on a building |
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ferroconcrete (reinforced concrete) |
Concrete with steel rods inside giving it high tensile strength. |
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fibreglass |
Glass in fibrous form, plastic reinforced by fibreglass is very strong and lightweight. |
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film noir |
Films in the 1940's-1950's, often featuring a private detective in a fictitious crime story. |
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flaneur |
A man who strolls around and observes his surroundings, from the french noun meaning "stroller". |
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flying buttress |
Architecture, arched structure generally on the exterior of a building that carries the outward thrust of a wall to the ground, acts like a buttress by supporting the wall but is only fixed at upper points. This was used a lot in Gothic architecture allowing buildings to be built to great heights. |
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Fordism |
Manufacturing system initiated by Henry Ford t produce goods efficiently and at low cost, originally relating to Ford's low cost car, but now used to refer to mass-produced goods generally. |
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foreshortening |
Aspect of linear-perspective where the depiction of an object on a two dimensional surface creates the illusion of its projection or extension in space. |
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formal analysis |
Considering artwork using; composition, line, colour, tone, shape and scale. |
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formalism |
Artistic and critical approach stressing form (line, colour and shape) over content. Early 20th century leading critics in Britain were Clive Bell and Roger Fry in the US it was Clement Greenberg. |
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found object |
A natural or human-made object used in artwork |
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fresco |
Water-based painting applied onto wet lime or gypsum plaster. |
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frieze |
Broad horizontal band of sculpted or painted decoration, in architecture horizontal section of the entablature. |
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functionalism |
Theory that the design of an object should be determined by its function rather than by aesthetic considerations, and that anything practically designed will be inherently beautiful. |
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gables |
Architecture, triangular shape at the end of a pitched roof. |
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genre |
E.g. still life/ portrait/ history painting/ and genre |
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genre of a genre |
Painting depicting an everyday scene. |
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gesso |
Italian meaning "gypsum", a smooth white surface (ground) on which to paint, by mixing ground gypsum (natural mineral to make plaster), chalk and a kind of glue. |
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giornate |
Sections of new plaster that a painter can complete in a day. |
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glaze |
Thin, transparent, layer of paint applied over the top of a opaque layer. |
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Golden section/Golden ratio/ Phi/ 1:1.618 |
Proportional ratio, relates to the division of two parts such that ratio of shorter B to longer A equals the ratio of A to the whole length. Used in architecture to make a building proportional and in paintings to create areas of proportion. E.g. the last supper. |
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Gothic |
Style of art and architecture prevailing from the 12th-15th centuries. Linked to romanesque art which was before gothic. Religious, catholic based, cathedrals, churches etc. Flying buttresses, pointed arch, vaulted ceiling, light and airy interior, gargoyles are all features of gothic architecture. |
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Gothic Revival |
19th century style, principally architectural, copying Gothic forms, such as pointed arches, ribbed vaulting and stained glass windows. |
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hatching |
A technique using closely spaced parallel lines to achieve tonal modelling and suggest depth. |
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haute beurgeoisie |
Upper middle classes |
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Hellenistic |
Period from death of Alexander the frat in 323Bc to emergence of Roman empire following the battle of Actium in 31Bc, Hellenistic art is more decorative and opulent then that of preceding periods. |
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heringbone brickwork |
Bricks laid at an angle to one another. |
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hierarchical scale |
Hierarchy of scale or proportion, technique used to manipulate scale to show relative distance of subjects. |
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High Baroque |
Style dating from 1625-1660 when drama of style was at its peak. |
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High Renaissance |
Late 15th early 16th century where the masters appeared Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael. |
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high tech |
Architecture imitating the style of industry and its materials, e.g. plastics, glass, steel. |
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high-tensile |
Strength and resistance to breaking when drawn out or stretched. |
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hoop-tie |
In building, stone and wooden chains locked together with iron to act as a belt around the base of a dome. |
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horse-shoe arches |
Islamic architecture, Moorish or keyhole arches, rounded or pointed in form. |
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humanism |
Cultural movement associated with Renaissance, relating to the belief in human progress by human efforts. Inspired by greek philosophy and thought. |
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hybridity/ hybridisation |
Mixing or blending of cultures. |
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hyperrealism |
Detailed, accurate, life-like manner. Capital "H" a movement in painting in the late 1960's and 1970's that is an accurate and detailed imitation much like a photograph. Also referred to as Surrealism or Photorealism. |
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icon |
"Image" eastern christian tradition an image of a holy being or object that might focus for veneration (identifying a saint) |
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idealisation |
representing things in a perfect or ideal way. |
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ideology |
Ideas presented as the only way of seeing things and therefore an accepted truth despite only being based on a partial truth. |
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impasto |
Thickly applied paint (usually oil) that stands up above the surface to which it has been applied. |
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impressionists |
Members of french movement Impressionism 50 artists in 8 different exhibitions. Monet, Pissarro, Sisley, Renoir, Morisot, Cassatt and Degas core group. Based on bright palettes, painterly (loose) brushwork and scenes of contemporary Parisian life and landscapes. |
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indulgences |
Catholic theology, remission of punishment on earth or in purgatory (not heaven) for sins that have already been forgiven in confession. Priests often used the idea that they could grant the laity eternal earthly happiness in this transaction, as a way to gain money for themselves or the church. |
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infra-red reflectogram |
IRR technique to look through paint layers, using wavelengths of infra-red to look at underdrawings. |
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installation |
Work of art created for a specific location, which then becomes a integral aspect of the work experienced by the viewer. This may be indoor or outdoor and sometimes may have to be entered. |
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International Gothic |
14th-15th century decorative and showing attention to detail. |
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International Style |
Alternative to Modern Movement. |
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Ionic |
5 Classical Orders of architecture, distinguished by a more slender column then in the Doric Order and capitol with volutes. |
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istoria |
Describes a generally complex and uplifting figure composition that conveys a biblical, mythical or historical narrative, |
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Japonism |
19th century interest in Japanese art. In western art this was manifest in the use of dark outline , stark and areas of flat unmodelled paint derived from Japanese woodblock prints. |
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kitsch |
German for "trash", associated with vulgarity or poor taste and popular culture, epitomised by garish tourist souvenirs. |
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laity |
Ordinary people different from the Clergy. |
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lancet |
Architecture, a small narrow window with sharp pointed arches. Gothic feature. |
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lapis lazuli |
A semi-precious blue mineral used to make a blue pigment which in middle ages and Renaissance was more expensive then gold leaf. |
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liberal arts |
Considered more intellectual and therefore superior to the mechanical arts (practical craftsmanship). Art was considered more liberal then mechanical in the Renaissance. |
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lime-proof pigments |
Pigments that can withstand the chemical effects of the lime mortar which the are incorporated during the fresco process. For this reason fresco's have limited colour palettes. |
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linear perspective |
Representing 3D objects on 2D surfaces using optical impression that parallel lines converge as they recede to a vanishing point on a horizon or eye-level line, allowing relatively sized objects t be plotted. |
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loggia |
Architecture, colonnade or arcade that is roofed and open to the air, usually on one side only. |
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lost-wax process |
Bronze casting method which wax model is melted leaving a cavity into which motlent metal is poured. |
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maesta |
"Majesty" referring to paintings of Madonna enthroned as Queen of heaven. |
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male gaze |
Male desire or destruction, links to Patriarchy. |
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Marxist |
Follower of the German social theorist Karl Marx (1818-1883). Explores the concept of mans alienation: the lack of control an individual has over a product of their labour. |
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masonry |
Architecture, stonework and building. |
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material |
E.g. Art- oil, acrylic, bronze, Architecture- brick and stone Also referred to as medium. |
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mechanical arts |
Practical skills such as weaving and blacksmithing. Mechanical arts complemented the liberal arts. |
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mechanisation |
Use of machines for production, communication, transport, etc. Term applied to developments in western society after the Industrial revolution (mid 18th century) decline in hand crafted production, direct human interaction, travel using natural means etc. |
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medieval period |
5th century to 15th century aka middle ages. Period following the fall of the western Roman empire and preceded to what is called the Early Modern era, beginning with the Renaissance. |
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memento mori |
Objects designed to remind morality, sometimes in a type of still life called vanitas. |
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meritocracy |
System where people are selected according to merit. |
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mezzanine |
Partial story or floor between two main storeys in a building. |
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Middle Ages |
5th-15th century, first named in the Renaissance due to it being between two great eras, Rome and their own which they called modern. |
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minarets |
Architecture, tall, slender and circular towers which are usually attached in a Islamic mosque from which the faithful can be called to prayer. |
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mise-en-scene |
arrangement of a scene, the props, make up, facial expressions etc. |
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modelling |
In 2D, how an artist achieves volume and a sense of 3D realism by shading from light to dark. Also called chiaroscuro although this implies a more dramatic use of dark and light. It can also refer to making a sculpture in clay, wax or plaster by adding and forming materials to create form. |
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Modernism |
Broad term relating to moderns thought and break with the past, with capital "M" refers to ideas of the late 20th century coined by Greenberg. |
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modernity |
Being modern, up to date, also specifically the fleeting experience of life in Paris in the 19th century. |
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Modern Movement |
Architecture, relates to angular, undecorated, in modern materials with an emphasis on functionalism. |
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Mogul |
Decorative art and architecture of the Mogul dynsaty in India from the 16th-18th century. Taj Mahal example of this Indian Islamic architecture. |
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naturalism |
Depicting the natural appearance of things as closely as possible |
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Neo-Classical |
18th-19th centuries drew inspiration from art, architecture and ideas of classical Rome and Greece. Considered a "pure" style. |
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Neo-Expressionism |
Revival of Expressionism in the second half of the 12th century an example is Baselitz |
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Neo-Plasticism |
Severe abstract, aesthetic typically using straight lines and primary colours with white, black and grey. |
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Neo-Platonism |
Derived by Plato's philosophies, perfection only existing in the immaterial or transcendental realms. Neo-Platonic beauty suggests that which is beyond the imperfections of the material realm. |
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noble savage |
Romanticised native or non-western "other" uncorrupt by civilisation and born gentle and free. |
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odalisque |
Turkish female slave or concubine. The subject popular in 19th century art, often represented with one or both arms above the shoulder to show sexual availability by exposing the upper body. |
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oeurve |
Collection of works of an artist. |
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opacity |
Unable to see through, lacking transparency. |
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Orders |
Consisting of vertical beams (posts) supporting a horizontal beam (lintel) structure (Trabeated), e.g.a temple. 5 orders in classical architecture Doric, Tuscan, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite. Each has a column, capital (apart from Doric) a base, and above a particular style of entablature, consisting of architrave (main beam) frieze (horizontal decoration) and cornice (moulded projection) |
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oriel |
Architecture, a projecting window usually built out from an upper storey and supported by corbels. |
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Orientalism |
Depiction of the East by western artists, synonymous with the exotic, defined as the "other". |
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other |
Term that denotes difference or divergence from norms established by the rule in relation to ethnicity, culture, gender or other groupings. |
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painterly |
Clearly visible brushstrokes |
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patina |
Colouring on metal structure due to age and environmental conditions or encouraged by artificial chemicals. |
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pediment |
Classical architecture, low pitched gable on top of a portico (entrance), door, window or the end of a building following the roof slope. Most pediments are straight-sided (triangular), can be curved. |
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piano nobile |
"Noble floor" or main living floor, raised above ground level, frequently the first floor, larger windows indicate its status as a principal reception floor. |
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picture plane |
Plane of picture which the illusory 3D space appears to recede. |
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pieta |
Subject of paintings and/or sculptures of the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Jesus on her lap. |
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pigment |
Substance usually dry, used as a colouring when mixed with a liquid binder. |
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pilasters |
A shallow pier or rectangular column projecting from the wall and, in Classical architecture, conforming one of the orders. |
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piloti |
A thin column that acts as a support |
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plane |
flat surface |
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plein air |
Describes painting outdoors, |
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polychromer |
Artist who pains wooden sculptures in a variety of colours. |
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polyptych |
3 panels work, usually altair piece. |
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PopArt |
1960's challenged traditional subjects and forms of art employing images from mass culture consumer goods and advertising, such as comics. Using collage and found objects combined with painting imagery. |
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Post-Impressionism |
Term used to describe the painters after Impressionism and covers wide range. |
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Post-Impressionists |
E.g. Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, and Georges Seurat. |
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postmodern |
20th century movement away from modernism, encompassing a broad range of styles often in a playful manner. |
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Praire style |
US architecture, low pitched roofs, overhanging eaves. Frank Lloyd-Wright's Robie house Chicago 1908-1909 |
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precisionist |
Accuracy and exactness. "P" art style in US from1910s-1940s characterised by clean cut immaculate representations of features in the urban landscape. |
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prefabricated |
Parts/units (often in building) manufactured off site and brought together for assembly. |
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Pre-Raphaelites |
Inspired by Raphael group of English painters, appreciating the simplicity and apparent moral content, founders John Everett Millais, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Holman Hunt |
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Proto-Cubism |
Pre-Cubist phase that preceded mature Cubism which compromised synthetic and analytical Cubism. |
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quattrocento |
Relating to the 1400's in Italian art during the Renaissance. |
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raking cornices |
Cornices which follow the slopes of a gable or pediment. |
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raking light |
Light applied to the picture plane at an acute angle. |
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readymade |
Art that comes straight from the manufacturer and presented by the artist in a way that makes them such, Marcel Dump. |
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Regency |
Describes the period where the prince regent George IV (1820-1830) ruled, loosely describes the neo-classical style furniture and architecture in Europe. |
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Renaissance |
"Rebirth" 1400-1600, |
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retablos |
"Behind the altar" Spain and Mexico, oil paintings on tin, zinc, copper or wood for use in the home usually to venerate catholic saints, distinctively folk-art style. |
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rib |
Architecture, moulding which projects he surface of a ceiling or wall, often with a round profile and found especially in Gothic architecture where they define and decorate vaults of naves and transepts. Also found outside domes. |
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ribbon window |
Architecture, continuous horizontal strip of windows. |
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Rococo |
Describes the elegant style of interior decoration, art, architecture and other visual styles from the 18th century. |
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rustication |
Cutting stone that sinks away to make a channel, Facades often look powerful as a result. |
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screen printing |
Silkscreen printing, method of printmaking which places a cut, painted or photography applied stencil design on polyester of fine mesh. Areas not blocked ink is forced out through the mesh onto the printing surface. Was used in China (960-1279) on silk, now more durable materials used such as nylon filament fibre. |
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secco fresco |
Painting on plaster wall where the plaster is dry, in order for the paint to adhere to the wall egg yolk is added to the pigment to act as a binder. |
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secular |
Non-religious |
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semi-monocoque |
Monocoque, construction type where the shell carries the load. Semi-monocoque a structure which has its load partially carried by its single shell. |
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semiotics |
Study of signs and symbols in various fields, especially language e.g.rose is a sign of love. |
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socialist |
Culture based on the collective ownership and rights of man, liberty and equality. |
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soft sculpture |
Made using materials such as wool, foam, fabric and other non-rigid materials. |
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stigmata |
Nail wounds pertaining to Christs cruxifixion. |
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stucco |
Plaster coated decoration or wall coating. |
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subject |
Literal or visible topic or theme of the work e.g. nude, war and animals. |
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sub-text |
Underlying them and/or meaning |
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subtractive |
Sculpture technique, material is reduced and taken away (carving). |
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Superrealism/hyperrealism |
Painting movement in the 1960s-1970s that is a detailed imitation of the real world much like a photograph. |
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Suprematicsm |
Kasmir Malevich 1915 describing his abstract art of coloured geometric forms. |
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Surrealism |
20th century avant-garde movement in art and literature aiming to release creative potential of the unconscious. Liberate from rationality and control, most famous exponent Salvador Dali. |
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symbiotic |
Close association or relationship between two interdependent objects, people, ideas etc. |
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symbolic exclusion |
Marginalisation of "other" and social inequality. |
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Symbolism |
Reject literal interpretations in favour of images that evoke, suggest or symbolise subjects and meanings. Anti-materialistic, anti-rational, mystical and sometimes associated with decadence, eroticism and the perverse. |
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synaesthete |
One sense leads to the involuntary stimulation of another, e.g. associating sound with a colour. |
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Synthetic Cubism |
1912-1914 image built up from sections of the subject as a series of planes, collage or simulated collage in paint. |
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techniques and processes |
Various ways artists handle and use their materials |
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tempera |
Permanent, fast drying medium, aka egg tempera as the pigment is mixed with the egg yoke which acts as a binder. |
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tenebristic |
Describes a work which is predominantly dark, typified by 1600 Caravaggio. |
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tension piles |
Upright posts hammered deep into the ground to support a superstructure. |
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Thatcherite |
Margaret Thatcher follower, emphasis on free market and individual enterprise. |
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thinner |
Liquid used to dilute paint making it flow easier. In oil-based paints mainly turpentine which is also a cleaning agent. |
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tondo |
Circular painting or relief sculpture especially common in the 15th century. |
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tone |
Quality of brightness, shade of colour. |
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tooled |
Removing blemishes to stone and metal or decorating a surface by punching or marking to create indentations. |
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trebeated |
Horizontal beams rather than arches; a post and lintel system of construction. |
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transept |
Section that lies across the main body of a building. In churches, a transept is an area set crosswise to the nave in a cruciform ("cross-shaped") building in Romanesque and Gothic Christian church architecture. |
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transverberation |
Spiritual rapture when god is in ones own body, symbolised by the piercing of the heart by spear or arrow. |
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tripartite |
Arrangement/ composition in art and architecture which is divided into three parts. |
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truth to medium |
Taking advantage of the natural and inherent properties of a medium. |
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typanum |
Triangular or segmental face on the pediment (space within the pediment), or the arched area (frequently decorated with sculpture)above an entrance (usually to a christian church). |
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ultramarine |
Deep blue pigment from lapis lazuli. In Middle ages and Renaissance, lapis mined in Afghanistan and imported to Europe, where it was extremely expensive, symbolising the blue of heaven, used to depict the robes of Mary. Synthetic made in 1826 |
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Usonian |
Frank Lloyd-Wright, architecture and town planning in the US as distinct from the rest of America. Wright built 60 Usonian houses from 1936 to his death in 1959, designed for middle class, epitomise US independency from Europe and suggest egalitarian (all humans are equal) culture and idealistic vision of a new civilisation. |
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vanitas |
Allegorical still life painting in which objects become symbolic of the transience of human life. |
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verdigas |
Green pigment from residue formed by combining acid and copper. |
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verisimilitude |
Extreme realism and meticulous attention to detail. |
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vernacular |
Indigenous and local |
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volutes |
Latin for scroll, the capital of an Ionic order (also part of the capital on a Corinthian and composite) |
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wet-on-wet |
Painting technique where wet paint are applied to layers of wet paint or wet ground. To be effective, paint must be applied quick, before first layers have dried out. |
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YBA |
Young British Artists supported by patron and collector Charles Saatchi including Damien Hurst, Rachel Whiteread and Tracey Emin. |
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Zeitgeist |
German, spirit of age (outlook to a specific part of history). |
