Abattis
In molding, secondary abutments molded apart .
French Terms, Technique
Read more →Acanthus
A stylized ornamental leaf form used throughout classical architecture, sculpture, and decorative design.
Classical Principles, Greek Terms
Read more →Accusé nu
A French stone-carving or architectural term referring to a clearly expressed bare surface
Composition, French Terms
Read more →Achrome
devoid of color
Composition, French Terms
Read more →Aesthetic Canon
A recognized system of ideal proportions
Anatomy, Architecture, Catholic Art, Classical Principles, Composition
Read more →Aesthetics
The philosophical study of beauty
Composition
Read more →Affêt
A French term referring to an affected refinement
Composition, French Terms
Read more →Akroteria
architectural ornament placed on a flat pedestal called the acroter
Architecture, Greek Terms
Read more →Allegory
A symbolic method of representation
Composition, Education
Read more →Amaigrir
A French sculptural and artistic term meaning “to thin,”
French Terms, Technique
Read more →Âme
The interior iron rod — the “soul” — that supports a wax or clay sculptural figure.
French Terms, Technique
Read more →Amortissement
A French architectural and sculptural term referring to the crowning or terminating element of a composition
Architecture, French Terms
Read more →Angelology
angelology is the theological and philosophical study of angels,
Catholic Art
Read more →Anthropometry
the scientific study and measurement of the proportions
Anatomy
Read more →Antique Method
traditional artistic approach rooted in the study and imitation of classical Greek and Roman antiquity
Composition
Read more →Arabesque
An ornamental design composed of flowing, interlacing, and rhythmic lines, often incorporating stylized foliage, tendrils, scrolls, geometric patterns, or curvilinear forms.
Composition
Read more →Architectural Terms
The specialized vocabulary used to describe the structural, ornamental, and proportional elements of architecture.
Architecture
Read more →Architrave
the lowest horizontal member of the classical entablature
Architecture
Read more →Armature
Armature — From the Latin armatura, meaning “framework,”
Anatomy, Composition, Materials, Methods, Tools
Read more →Armature Coupling
A modular armature construction method developed by Peter Forster utilizing industrial tie-rod ends
Materials, Methods, Tools
Read more →Armature of the Rectangle
A compositional framework based upon the internal geometric divisions, diagonals, reciprocals, and proportional relationships contained within a rectangle.
Composition
Read more →Arrangement
The deliberate ordering of forms, masses, and figures within a composition to achieve unity and expressive coherence.
Composition, French Terms
Read more →Art
The disciplined exercise of reason in making — recta ratio factibilium (Thomas Aquinas) — as applied to the plastic and sculptural arts.
Education, Latin Terms
Read more →Art Deco
The inter-war style of geometric, stylized sculptural decoration exemplified by the 1925 Paris Exposition and the great architectural carving programs of the 1930s.
Architecture, Composition
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