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landscape (n)
an image representing natural scenery, usually from a distant viewpoint |
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Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)
Italian Renaissance painter, sculptor, architect, and designer; best known today for his portrait, the Mona Lisa, and revered as one of the most innovative and creative artist/inventors of his time. |
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lost-wax method (adj)
the process of casting metal in which an object begins as a clay model. The model is first covered with wax that hardens as a thin shell and is then encased in an outer mold of thick clay. When the mold is completely dry, it is heated to melt the wax. Liquid bronze, copper, or another metal is then poured into the mold. After the metal has solidified, the cooled mold is opened, and the figure, a metal copy of the wax model, can be taken out, cleaned, and polished. |
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low relief (adj)
referring to sculpture or sculptural elements that are close to the support from which they are carved (as opposed to high relief); also known as bas-relief |
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lute (n)
a stringed instrument with a large pear-shaped body, popular in 16th- and 17th-century Europe |
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Mannerism (n)
designation for paintings and sculptures produced between about 1520 and 1580 (the later Renaissance) characterized by an interest in the distortion of formal conventions, exaggeration of expression, elongated proportions, enigmatic gestures, unusual colors, and an irrational treatment of space and light. Derived from the Italian word maniera, suggesting grace, playfulness, and formal beauty. |
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mantle (n)
a cloak or loose garment worn over the upper body |
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manuscript illumination (n)
images and associated decorative designs accompanying a handwritten text; produced by monks or artisans throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance |
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medium (n)
the material and technique with which a particular work is made, e.g. oil painting, bronze casting, ink drawing |
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Middle Ages/medieval (adj)
period in European history between Classical antiquity and the Renaissance (from about A.D. 500 to around 1500); of (or in the style of) the Middle Ages |
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Middle East (n)
geographic area bounded by Africa to the southwest, Europe to the northwest, and Asia to the east; including the present-day nations of Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Israel |
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middle ground (n)
the portion of picture space between the foreground and background |
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modeling (n)
representation of depth and solidity in painting, drawing, or photography |
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narrative (n)
the representation in art or literature of a story or event |
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Neo-Stoicism (n)
16th-century revival of Classical Stoicism, a philosophy that celebrated nature and emphasized the importance of reason and self-discipline while rejecting emotion. Although they criticized superstition and corruption in the Roman Catholic Church, many Neo-Stoics remained faithful Christians. |
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New Testament
portion of the Bible that treats the life of Christ and the period following; includes the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and the Book of Revelation |
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obelisk (n)
a tall, four-sided shaft that forms a pyramid at its tip; served as a type of religious monument in ancient Egypt. Examples of obelisks in Rome, Paris, and New York City were carried away from Egypt. |
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panorama (n)
an extended landscape, often displaying an unobstructed view in every direction |
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patron (n)
a person who hires an artist to create a work of art |
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pendant (n)
in art, one painting of a pair |
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Polyphemos
the one-eyed Cyclops who imprisoned Ulysses and his men in a cave. The crew blinds the giant with a hot poker and escapes tied to the bellies of Polyphemos’s sheep. |
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portrait (n)
the likeness of a person (especially a face) in a work of art |
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proof (n)
a test impression of an engraving, etching, or other print form |
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Protestant (adj)
relating to Christian sects founded in the 16th century by Reformation leader Martin Luther; Protestantism sought to reform the Church, denying the authority of the Pope and confirming the Bible as the only source of religious truth. |
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provincial (adj)
from a province or rural area rather than an urban center; characterized by relative simplicity and plainness |
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punched (adj)
consisting of repeated shapes tapped into a metal or metallic surface, such as gold leaf, using special tools |
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putti (n)
little angels |
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