Handy Art History Vocabulary

Word Origin: The word "mosaic" comes from the Latin "mosaicus," which in turn comes from the Greek word "mousaikos," meaning "of the Muses." This is likely because mosaics, which are made up of small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials arranged into patterns or pictures, were often used to decorate the floors and walls of buildings dedicated to the Muses in ancient Greece. The art form of creating mosaics dates back to at least the 3rd millennium BCE in Mesopotamia, and was later popularized by the Greeks and Romans.

Word Origin: The word "sculpture" comes from the Latin word "sculptura," which is derived from the verb "sculpere," meaning "to carve" or "to carve out." This term was commonly used in Ancient Rome to refer to the art of carving or shaping three-dimensional forms out of various materials such as stone, wood, or metal. The practice of sculpture has a long history dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Egyptians, where artists created intricate and lifelike sculptures to represent gods, rulers, and other important figures. Today, sculpture continues to be a popular art form that encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques.

Word Origin: The word "statuary" comes from the Latin word "statuarius," which means "pertaining to statues" or "sculptor." This Latin word is derived from the word "statua," meaning "statue" or "image." In the context of Ancient Art, statuary refers to the practice of creating statues or sculptures, which was a prominent form of artistic expression in many ancient civilizations.

Word Origin: The term "bas-relief" comes from the French word "bas" meaning "low" and "relief" meaning "raised." In Ancient Art, bas-relief refers to a sculptural technique in which figures and forms are carved or molded into a flat surface so that they project slightly from the background. This technique was commonly used in ancient civilizations such as Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome to create decorative and narrative elements on architectural structures, tombs, and monuments.

Word Origin: The word "iconography" comes from the Greek words "eikon" meaning "image" or "icon" and "grapho" meaning "to write" or "to describe." In the context of Ancient Art, iconography refers to the study of the visual images and symbols used in religious or secular art to convey specific meanings or messages. It involves analyzing the subject matter, composition, and style of artworks to understand their cultural, religious, or historical significance.

Word Origin: The word "pottery" comes from the Old French word "poterie," which is derived from the Latin word "pottus," meaning "drinking cup." The term has been used since the Middle Ages to refer to objects made of fired clay, such as pots, dishes, and other vessels. In the context of Ancient Art, pottery refers to the ceramic objects created by ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Mesopotamians. These ancient cultures used pottery for a variety of purposes, including cooking, storage, and religious rituals. The art of pottery has a long and rich history, with examples of ancient pottery dating back thousands of years.

Word Origin: The word "fresco" comes from the Italian word "affresco," which means "fresh." This is because fresco painting involves applying paint onto wet plaster, allowing the pigment to become embedded in the surface as it dries, creating a durable and long-lasting artwork. The technique has been used since ancient times, with examples found in ancient Roman and Greek art.

Word Origin: The word "hieroglyphics" comes from the Greek words "hieros" meaning sacred or holy, and "glypho" meaning to carve or engrave. It was used by the ancient Greeks to refer to the writing system of the ancient Egyptians, which consisted of symbols and pictures carved or painted on stone, wood, or other surfaces. The ancient Egyptians themselves called their writing system "mdw-ntr" which translates to "divine words" or "words of the gods." The term "hieroglyphics" is commonly used today to refer to any form of writing that uses pictorial symbols to represent words or sounds.

Word Origin: The word "fresco" comes from the Italian word "affresco," which means "fresh." This term refers to a technique of painting on freshly laid plaster with pigments dissolved in water. The word fresco originated in the medieval period when this technique was commonly used to create murals on the walls of churches and other buildings. The term "fresco" emphasizes the idea of painting on fresh plaster, as the pigments become integrated into the plaster as it dries, creating a durable and long-lasting artwork.

Word Origin: The word "altarpiece" comes from the Old English word "alter" meaning altar, and the Middle English word "pece" meaning piece. In Medieval Art, altarpieces were large, often elaborate paintings or sculptures placed behind the altar in churches, serving as a focal point for religious worship and devotion. They typically depicted religious scenes, saints, or biblical narratives, and were meant to enhance the spiritual experience of the viewer.

Word Origin: The word "iconography" comes from the Greek words "eikon" meaning "image" and "grapho" meaning "to write" or "to describe." In the context of Medieval Art, iconography refers to the study and interpretation of the symbolic meanings of images and symbols found in religious art, particularly in Christian religious art. Medieval artists used a complex system of symbols and motifs to convey religious teachings and stories to a largely illiterate audience, and the study of these symbols and their meanings is an important aspect of understanding the art of this period.

Word Origin: The word "gargoyle" comes from the Old French word "gargouille," which is derived from the Latin word "gurgulio," meaning throat or gullet. The term originally referred to the carved water spouts on medieval buildings, often in the form of grotesque figures or animals, that were designed to direct rainwater away from the building's walls and foundations. These decorative and functional sculptures were believed to protect the building from evil spirits and were commonly used in Gothic architecture during the Middle Ages.

Word Origin: The word "tapestry" comes from the Old French word "tapisserie," which is derived from the Latin word "tapis," meaning a carpet or heavy fabric. In the context of Medieval Art, tapestries were large, decorative textiles woven with intricate designs or scenes, often used to adorn the walls of castles, churches, and other important buildings. These tapestries were highly valued for their beauty and craftsmanship, and were often used to depict historical events, religious stories, or scenes from daily life.

Word Origin: The word "cathedral" comes from the Latin word "cathedra," which means "seat" or "throne." In the context of Medieval Art, the term refers to the principal church of a diocese, where the bishop's throne or cathedra is located. Cathedrals were often large and ornate buildings that served as the center of religious life in a city or region, and were often decorated with intricate artwork and sculptures depicting religious themes.

Word Origin: The term "illuminated manuscript" comes from the Latin word "illuminare," which means "to light up" or "to illuminate." In the context of Medieval Art, this term refers to a handwritten book or manuscript that is decorated with intricate designs, illustrations, and decorative elements using bright colors and gold or silver leaf. The term "illuminated" refers to the use of light-reflecting materials such as gold or silver to enhance the visual appeal of the manuscript. Illuminated manuscripts were highly prized during the Middle Ages for their beauty and craftsmanship.

Word Origin: The term "Gothic" in the context of Medieval Art derives from the Italian word "gotico," which originally meant "barbaric" or "uncouth." It was first used by the Italian Renaissance art critic Giorgio Vasari in the 16th century to describe the style of architecture and art that was prevalent in Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly in the period from the 12th to the 15th centuries. The term "Gothic" was later adopted by art historians to refer to the distinctive architectural and artistic style characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses that developed in Europe during this period. The term "Gothic" is thought to have been used pejoratively, as it was associated with the "barbarian" tribes that invaded the Roman Empire in the early Middle Ages.

Word Origin: The word "Renaissance" comes from the French word "renaître," meaning "to be born again" or "rebirth." It originated in 14th-century Italy and was used to describe the cultural and artistic movement that began in the late Middle Ages and continued into the early modern period. The Renaissance was characterized by a renewed interest in the classical art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome, as well as a focus on humanism, individualism, and scientific inquiry. The term "Renaissance" was first used in the 19th century by art historians to describe this period of cultural rebirth and artistic innovation.

Word Origin: The term "Humanism" in the context of Renaissance art comes from the Latin word "humanitas," which means human nature, kindness, and culture. The concept of Humanism emerged during the Renaissance period in Europe, particularly in Italy, as a movement that emphasized the study of classical literature, art, and philosophy, as well as the importance of human potential and achievements. Humanism in Renaissance art focused on the representation of human figures in a more realistic and naturalistic manner, reflecting a renewed interest in the individual and the human experience. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael were key figures in the development of Humanism in art, creating works that celebrated the beauty and complexity of the human form. Overall, Humanism in Renaissance art was characterized by a shift away from the religious focus of the Middle Ages towards a more secular and human-centered approach, highlighting the importance of human creativity, intellect, and individuality.

Word Origin: The word "perspective" in the context of Renaissance art comes from the Latin word "perspectivus," which means "clearly perceived." This term was used to describe the technique of creating the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface in art. The concept of perspective was developed and refined during the Renaissance period by artists such as Filippo Brunelleschi and Leon Battista Alberti, who studied the mathematical principles of perspective and applied them to their paintings and architectural designs. This new approach to representing space and depth in art revolutionized the way artists depicted the world around them and helped to create a more realistic and immersive viewing experience for the viewer.

Word Origin: The word "chiaroscuro" comes from the Italian words "chiaro" meaning "clear" or "light" and "scuro" meaning "dark" or "obscure." In the context of Renaissance art, chiaroscuro refers to the use of strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and three-dimensionality in a two-dimensional artwork. This technique was popularized by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Rembrandt during the Renaissance period.

Word Origin: The term "Mannerism" in the context of Renaissance art comes from the Italian word "maniera," which means "style" or "manner." The term was first used in the 16th century to describe a style of art that emerged in Italy after the High Renaissance. Mannerism was characterized by a heightened focus on technical skill, exaggerated poses, elongated figures, and complex compositions. The term "Mannerism" was originally used pejoratively to criticize artists who deviated from the classical ideals of the High Renaissance, but it has since come to be recognized as a distinct artistic movement in its own right.

Word Origin: The word "sfumato" comes from the Italian word "sfumare," which means "to tone down" or "to evaporate like smoke." It is a painting technique commonly used during the Renaissance period, particularly by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael. Sfumato involves the use of subtle transitions between colors and tones to create a soft and blurred effect, giving the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality in the artwork.

Word Origin: The word "classicism" in the context of Renaissance art comes from the Latin word "classicus," which originally referred to a member of the highest class in ancient Rome. In the Renaissance, the term was used to describe the artistic style that drew inspiration from the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. This style emphasized balance, harmony, and clarity of form, and was seen as a return to the ideals of classical antiquity. The term "classicism" in art history has come to refer to any artistic style that is based on the principles of classical art and architecture.

Word Origin: The word "grandeur" comes from the French word "grandeur," which means greatness or magnificence. In the context of Baroque art, grandeur refers to the grand, monumental, and elaborate style that characterized the art and architecture of the Baroque period in the 17th and early 18th centuries. The term "grandeur" is often used to describe the opulent and extravagant aesthetic of Baroque art, which sought to impress and awe viewers with its scale, drama, and richness of detail. This style was often used by rulers and the Catholic Church to demonstrate their power and wealth, and it became synonymous with the Baroque period's emphasis on emotion, movement, and theatricality.

Word Origin: The word "dynamic" comes from the Greek word "dynamikos," which means powerful or forceful. In the context of Baroque Art, "dynamic" is used to describe the energetic and dramatic qualities of the artwork, characterized by bold colors, exaggerated motion, and strong contrasts of light and shadow. The term reflects the Baroque period's emphasis on movement, emotion, and theatricality in art and architecture.

Word Origin: The term "tenebrism" comes from the Italian word "tenebroso," which means dark or gloomy. It originated in the context of Baroque art in the 17th century, particularly in the works of Caravaggio and his followers. Tenebrism refers to a style of painting that uses strong contrasts of light and dark to create dramatic and atmospheric effects. The technique involves a strong spotlight on the main subject, surrounded by deep shadows, creating a sense of mystery and intensity in the composition.

Word Origin: The word "ornate" comes from the Latin word "ornatus," which means adorned or embellished. In the context of Baroque art, "ornate" refers to the elaborate and decorative style that characterized the period. Baroque artists often used complex ornamentation, intricate details, and richly decorative elements to create visually stunning works of art. The term "ornate" is used to describe the opulent and lavish aesthetic of Baroque art, which is characterized by its emphasis on dramatic lighting, emotive content, and grandeur.

Word Origin: The word "dramatic" in the context of Baroque art comes from the Latin word "dramaticus," which is derived from the Greek word "dramatikos." In both Latin and Greek, the word refers to something related to drama or theatrical performance. In Baroque art, the term "dramatic" is used to describe works that are characterized by intense emotion, dynamic movement, and strong contrasts of light and shadow. These qualities were often used to create a sense of drama and theatricality in Baroque paintings, sculptures, and architecture.

Word Origin: The term "Baroque" comes from the Portuguese word "barroco," which originally meant a misshapen pearl. It was later used to describe an extravagant, ornate style in art and architecture that emerged in Europe in the 17th century. The Baroque style is characterized by elaborate decoration, dramatic lighting, and emotional intensity.

Word Origin: The word "chiaroscuro" comes from the Italian words "chiaro" meaning clear or light, and "scuro" meaning dark or obscure. In the context of Baroque art, chiaroscuro refers to the use of strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and three-dimensionality in a painting or drawing. Artists such as Caravaggio and Rembrandt were known for their mastery of chiaroscuro techniques in their work.

Word Origin: The word "order" in the context of Neoclassical art comes from the Latin word "ordo," meaning "row, rank, series, arrangement." In Neoclassical art, the term "order" refers to the system of architectural design based on the principles of classical Greek and Roman architecture, characterized by symmetry, proportion, and harmony. This concept was revived and reinterpreted by artists during the Neoclassical movement in the 18th and early 19th centuries, as they sought to emulate the ideals of ancient art and architecture.

Word Origin: The word "historical" comes from the Greek word "historia," meaning "inquiry" or "knowledge acquired by investigation." In the context of Neoclassical art, historical themes refer to subjects drawn from classical history, mythology, and literature. Neoclassical artists often looked to the art and literature of ancient Greece and Rome for inspiration, seeking to emulate the ideals of beauty, harmony, and order found in classical antiquity. The emphasis on historical themes in Neoclassical art reflects a desire to connect with and draw inspiration from the cultural achievements of the past.

Word Origin: The word "heroism" comes from the Greek word "heros," which means "hero" or "demigod." In the context of Neoclassical art, heroism refers to the portrayal of heroic figures and themes from classical mythology and history. Neoclassical artists often depicted idealized figures engaged in noble and heroic acts, drawing inspiration from the heroes of ancient Greece and Rome. This emphasis on heroism reflected the Neoclassical movement's celebration of classical ideals and values, as well as its rejection of the excesses of the Baroque and Rococo styles that preceded it.

Word Origin: The term "Classical Antiquity" comes from the Latin word "antiquitas," meaning ancient, and "classicus," which refers to a member of the first class in the Roman social hierarchy. In the context of Neoclassical art, Classical Antiquity refers to the artistic style and themes inspired by the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. Neoclassical artists sought to emulate the ideals of beauty, harmony, and order found in the art of the classical period.

Word Origin: The word "balance" in the context of Neoclassical art originates from the Latin word "bilanx," which means having two scales or trays. In art, balance refers to the distribution of visual weight in a composition. Neoclassical artists sought to achieve balance in their works by carefully arranging elements such as light, color, and form to create a harmonious and symmetrical composition. This emphasis on balance reflects the Neoclassical movement's interest in order, clarity, and rationality, drawing inspiration from the classical art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome.

Word Origin: The word "symmetry" comes from the Greek word "symmetria," which means "agreement in dimensions, due proportion, arrangement." In the context of Neoclassical art, symmetry was a key principle that artists adhered to in order to create balanced and harmonious compositions. Neoclassical artists drew inspiration from the art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome, where symmetry and proportion were highly valued. This emphasis on symmetry in Neoclassical art reflected a desire to achieve a sense of order, balance, and perfection in their works, in keeping with the ideals of classical antiquity.

Word Origin: The term "rationalism" in the context of Neoclassical art comes from the Latin word "rationalis," which means "of reason." In Neoclassical art, rationalism refers to the emphasis on reason, logic, and intellect in creating art that is based on classical Greek and Roman ideals. This movement rejected the emotionalism and excess of the Baroque period in favor of a more restrained, balanced, and rational approach to art. The term "rationalism" reflects the Neoclassical artists' belief in the importance of reason and intellectual thought in the creation of art.

Word Origin: The word "idealization" in the context of Neoclassical art is derived from the Latin word "idealizare," which means "to form an ideal image or representation." The concept of idealization in art refers to the practice of representing figures and subjects in a perfected or idealized form, often emphasizing classical beauty, harmony, and symmetry. Neoclassical artists sought to revive the ideals of ancient Greek and Roman art, focusing on balance, clarity, and proportion in their work.

Word Origin: The term "Neoclassical" comes from the combination of the prefix "neo-" (meaning "new" or "revived") and the word "classical," which refers to the art, culture, and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. Neoclassical art emerged in the late 18th century as a reaction against the excesses of the Baroque and Rococo styles, seeking to revive the principles of classical art and architecture. Artists during this period looked to ancient Greek and Roman art for inspiration, emphasizing clarity, simplicity, and order in their compositions.

Word Origin: The word "imagination" comes from the Latin word "imaginatio," which means "a forming, image-making, a mental representation." In the context of Romanticism, the concept of imagination was seen as a powerful force that allowed individuals to transcend the rational and logical constraints of the Enlightenment era. Romantic poets and artists believed that through the power of imagination, they could access deeper truths about the human experience and the natural world. Imagination was seen as a source of creativity, inspiration, and emotional expression, and was celebrated as a way to connect with the sublime and the mysterious.

Word Origin: The word "symbolism" in the context of Romanticism comes from the Greek word "symbolon," which means a token or sign. In Romanticism, symbolism refers to the use of symbols and allegorical representations to convey deeper meaning and emotions in art, literature, and other forms of creative expression. This concept was popularized by the French poet Charles Baudelaire and the Symbolist movement in the late 19th century, which aimed to evoke the spiritual and subconscious through symbolic imagery.

Word Origin: The term "individualism" has its roots in the Latin word "individuus," which means "inseparable" or "indivisible." It was first used in the early 19th century to describe a philosophical and artistic movement known as Romanticism. Romanticism emphasized the importance of the individual, their emotions, and their unique experiences. This movement rejected the rationalism and conformity of the Enlightenment period, instead celebrating individual creativity, imagination, and freedom. The concept of individualism in Romanticism was closely tied to the idea of self-expression, self-reliance, and the belief that each person had a unique and valuable perspective to offer. The Romantics believed that by embracing their individuality, people could connect more deeply with nature, art, and the divine. Overall, the term "individualism" in the context of Romanticism reflects a shift towards valuing personal identity, autonomy, and subjective experience in art, literature, and philosophy.

Word Origin: The word "sublime" in the context of Romanticism comes from the Latin word "sublimis," which means "uplifted" or "high." In the 18th century, the concept of the sublime was further developed by the philosopher Edmund Burke, who described it as a feeling of awe and terror in the face of something vast and powerful, such as nature or the divine. This idea was later embraced by Romantic poets and artists, who sought to evoke the sublime in their works as a means of transcending the limitations of reason and accessing a higher spiritual truth.

Word Origin: The word "nature" comes from the Latin word "natura," which means "birth" or "character." In the context of Romanticism, the word "nature" refers to the natural world, including landscapes, plants, animals, and natural phenomena. Romantic poets and artists often idealized nature and saw it as a source of inspiration, beauty, and spiritual renewal. They believed that nature was a reflection of the divine and that spending time in nature could help individuals connect with their inner selves and find meaning and purpose in life.

Word Origin: The word "emotion" comes from the Latin word "emotio," meaning "a moving, stirring, agitation." In the context of Romanticism, which emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as a reaction against the rationalism and order of the Enlightenment, the concept of emotion became central to the artistic and literary movements of the time. Romanticism emphasized individual emotions, intuition, and imagination, and sought to evoke powerful emotional responses in the audience or reader. Artists and writers during this period often focused on themes of love, nature, and the supernatural, expressing intense emotions and exploring the depths of human experience.

Word Origin: The term "Romanticism" comes from the word "romance," which originally referred to a medieval tale of chivalry and adventure. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, writers and artists began to use the term to describe a new movement in literature and the arts that emphasized emotion, imagination, and individualism. Romanticism rejected the rationalism and order of the Enlightenment, and instead celebrated nature, the supernatural, and the power of the individual imagination. The movement had its roots in the work of earlier writers such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and reached its peak in the works of poets such as Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley, and novelists such as Jane Austen and Mary Shelley.

Word Origin: The word "abstract" in the context of Modern Art comes from the Latin word "abstractus," which is the past participle of "abstrahere," meaning "to draw away." In art, abstract refers to a style that does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of visual reality, but instead uses shapes, colors, forms, and gestural marks to achieve its effect. This concept of abstraction in art began to gain prominence in the early 20th century with artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Kazimir Malevich, who sought to move away from representational art towards a more subjective and non-referential form of expression.

Word Origin: The word "contemporary" in the context of Modern Art comes from the Latin word "contemporaneus," which is derived from "con-" (together) and "tempus" (time). It originally referred to something or someone existing or occurring at the same time. In the context of Modern Art, it is used to describe artwork created in the present day or in recent times.

Word Origin: The term "avant-garde" comes from the French military term meaning "advance guard" or "vanguard." In the context of Modern Art, the term was first used in the mid-19th century to describe artists who were at the forefront of artistic innovation and experimentation. These artists were considered to be ahead of their time and were pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic conventions. The avant-garde movement in Modern Art included artists such as Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, and Wassily Kandinsky, who were known for their groundbreaking and revolutionary approaches to art.

Word Origin: The term "minimalist" in the context of Modern Art originated in the 1960s, referring to a style of art characterized by extreme simplicity and a reduction of form and color to their most basic elements. The word is derived from the term "minimalism," which was first used in the 1920s to describe a movement in music that favored simplicity and repetition. The art movement of minimalism emerged in the 1960s as a reaction against the complexity and emotionalism of abstract expressionism, emphasizing clean lines, geometric shapes, and a lack of ornamentation. The term "minimalist" was first used in relation to art in the 1965 exhibition "Primary Structures" at the Jewish Museum in New York City, which featured the work of artists such as Donald Judd, Sol LeWitt, and Dan Flavin.

Word Origin: The word "surrealism" was first coined by the French poet Guillaume Apollinaire in 1917, but it was officially introduced as an artistic movement by the French writer and poet André Breton in 1924. The term is derived from the French words "sur" (above, beyond) and "réalisme" (realism), and it was used to describe a new artistic movement that aimed to explore the unconscious mind and dreams through art. Surrealism sought to challenge traditional artistic conventions and bring about a new way of seeing and experiencing the world.

Word Origin: The term "cubism" was coined by the French art critic Louis Vauxcelles in 1908. He used it to describe the innovative style of painting developed by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, which featured geometric shapes and fragmented forms. The name "cubism" was derived from the word "cube," as the artists sought to break down objects into their basic geometric forms.

Word Origin: The term "expressionism" in the context of Modern Art originated in Germany in the early 20th century. It comes from the German word "Expressionismus," which was first used in the art world around 1910 to describe a new movement in painting and literature that emphasized the expression of emotions and inner feelings over objective representation. The term "expressionism" was derived from the Latin word "expressio," meaning "expression" or "representation." In the context of Modern Art, expressionism sought to convey the emotional and psychological experiences of the artist through distorted forms, vivid colors, and bold brushstrokes, often depicting scenes of anguish, anxiety, and turmoil. Artists associated with the expressionist movement, such as Edvard Munch, Wassily Kandinsky, and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, sought to challenge traditional artistic conventions and explore new ways of expressing the human experience. The term "expressionism" has since become synonymous with this artistic style that prioritizes subjective emotion and personal expression.

Word Origin: The word "installation" in the context of Modern Art comes from the Latin word "installatio," which means to set up, establish, or put in place. In the art world, an installation refers to a large-scale, three-dimensional work of art that is created and displayed in a specific space, such as a gallery or museum. The term became popular in the 1960s and 1970s, as artists began to move away from traditional forms of painting and sculpture and experiment with new ways of creating and presenting art. Today, installations can take many forms, from immersive environments to interactive multimedia experiences.