Art History Terms

noun a formal declaration or proclamation

• The annunciation of the new company policy was made during the quarterly meeting.
• Did you hear about the annunciation of the new project at work?
• I can't believe the annunciation of the party got leaked on social media.
• The annunciation of spring was evident in the blooming flowers and chirping birds.

noun In Roman mythology, Bacchus is the god of wine, agriculture, and fertility.

• The statue of Bacchus in the museum is a fine example of ancient Roman art.
• Let's head to the Bacchus winery for some wine tasting this weekend.
• I heard Bacchus throws the best parties in town.
• His laughter echoed through the room like the joyful presence of Bacchus.

noun an exact copy or reproduction, especially of a document

adjective pertaining to an exact copy or reproduction

• The library provided a facsimile of the original manuscript for research purposes.
• I'll send you a facsimile of the document via email.
• Let me shoot you a facsimile of that report real quick.
• The replica was a facsimile of the famous painting, indistinguishable from the original.

noun A long journey or trip, especially one that covers a large distance and includes visiting many different places.

• The couple embarked on a grand tour of Europe to visit historic landmarks.
• We're planning a grand tour of all the best restaurants in the city.
• Let's go on a grand tour of the coolest spots in town!
• Embarking on a grand tour of self-discovery can be a life-changing experience.

adjective relating to or characterized by a sexual desire for those of the same sex

• The artist explored themes of homoeroticism in his latest collection.
• Some people find homoerotic movies to be really interesting.
• That TV show has a lot of homoerotic tension between the main characters.
• The intense rivalry between the two soccer players had a homoerotic undertone.

noun a collection of visual images or symbols

• The study of iconography in religious art reveals deeper meanings and symbolism.
• She was fascinated by the iconography in the ancient manuscripts.
• That artist really knows how to play with iconography to make a statement.
• The iconography of her style is instantly recognizable in the fashion world.

noun a famous American singer and actress

• Madonna is a renowned pop singer known for her iconic music and performances.
• I love listening to Madonna's old songs from the 80s.
• Have you seen the latest music video from Madonna? It's fire!
• Her influence on the music industry is like a modern-day Madonna, shaping the pop culture landscape.

noun a work of outstanding artistry or skill

adjective used to describe something that is of exceptional quality or skill

• The artist spent years creating a masterpiece that now hangs in the museum.
• Have you seen the new movie? It's a total masterpiece!
• That painting is straight fire, a true masterpiece!
• Her performance on stage was a masterpiece of emotion and skill.

noun a vertical bar or divider in a window or door that separates the panes of glass

• The architect specified that the windows be divided by a mullion for structural support.
• I love how the mullion on these windows adds a classic touch to the house.
• Check out the cool mullion on those windows, it really makes them pop!
• The mullion of tradition divides the old ways from the new in this small town.

adjective describing or relating to myths or mythology

• The study of mythological creatures is a fascinating field of research.
• I love reading about mythological stories and legends.
• That movie had some crazy mythological stuff going on.
• The idea of a perfect society is often seen as a mythological concept.

noun a type of brass that resembles gold

adjective fake or counterfeit

• The jewelry was made of pinchbeck, a type of alloy that resembles gold.
• She bought a pinchbeck necklace from the flea market.
• I don't trust those pinchbeck vendors selling fake gold chains.
• His smile was as fake as a piece of pinchbeck jewelry.

noun a revival or rebirth, especially in literature, art, or culture

• The renascence of interest in classical literature led to a resurgence in Latin studies.
• There seems to be a renascence of 80s fashion trends lately.
• The renascence of street art in the neighborhood is really cool.
• After facing many challenges, she felt a renascence of hope and determination.

adjective highly original and influencing the development of future events

• The scientist's seminal research laid the foundation for future studies in the field.
• The band's seminal album was a game-changer in the music industry.
• That movie is considered to be a seminal classic among film buffs.
• Her groundbreaking speech was a seminal moment in the fight for equality.

noun a method of painting with pigments dispersed in an emulsion miscible with water, typically egg yolk.

• The artist used tempera paint to create a detailed and precise portrait.
• I prefer using tempera paint for my art projects because it dries quickly.
• Let's ditch the acrylics and try out some tempera for a change.
• Her tempera was as vibrant as the colors on her canvas, easily changing with her mood.

noun a picture or relief carving on three panels, typically hinged together side by side

adjective relating to or characteristic of a triptych

• The artist created a stunning triptych for the art exhibition.
• Have you seen that cool triptych at the gallery?
• That triptych is totally lit!
• The three-part story acted as a triptych, each part revealing a different layer of the mystery.

noun a print of a type made from a design cut in a block of wood, formerly widely used for illustrations in books

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• The artist created a beautiful woodcut print for the art exhibit.
• I tried my hand at making a woodcut of my dog, it was harder than I thought!
• Check out this sick woodcut I got tattooed on my arm.
• His words were like a sharp woodcut, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who heard them.

noun a French working-class woman, especially a seamstress or milliner

adjective of or relating to a French working-class woman

• The grisette was a type of young working-class woman in 18th and 19th century France.
• I saw a group of grisettes chatting and laughing at the cafe.
• She's a real cool grisette, always up for a good time.
• The city streets were filled with the hustle and bustle of the modern-day grisettes, young women on the go.

adjective having a full, rounded figure; plump or well-proportioned

• The actress had a zaftig figure that was praised for breaking stereotypes in the industry.
• I love how zaftig this dessert is, it's so rich and indulgent.
• She's got a real zaftig vibe, you know what I mean?
• The novel was filled with zaftig descriptions that brought the setting to life.

noun A person who acts as a guide, typically in a museum or art gallery, providing information about the exhibits

adjective Relating to or characteristic of a docent or the role of a docent

• The museum docent provided a detailed explanation of the artwork to the visitors.
• The docent at the zoo was really friendly and answered all of our questions.
• I heard the docent at the park is super chill and knows all the best spots.
• As a docent of history, she guided us through the past with clarity and insight.

noun a term used in art to describe abstract expressionism

adjective describing something related to or characteristic of abstract expressionism

• The artist used an ab-ex technique in his latest painting, focusing on abstract expressionism.
• I tried my hand at some ab-ex painting last weekend, it was a fun way to relax and get creative.
• I'm really into that ab-ex style, it's so cool and edgy.
• Her emotions were like an ab-ex painting, swirling and chaotic yet beautiful in their own way.

noun A word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'accollée' can be used as a noun in certain contexts.

adjective A word that describes or modifies a noun. 'Accollée' can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is 'joined or attached'.

• La bibliothèque est accollée à l'école, facilitant ainsi l'accès aux ressources pour les élèves.
• La boulangerie est accollée à la pharmacie, c'est super pratique!
• La salle de sport est accollée au fast-food, c'est le combo parfait pour moi.
• Sa réputation d'expert en la matière est accollée à son nom depuis des années.

noun a type of red dye or pigment named after the city of Adrianople (modern-day Edirne in Turkey)

• The fabric used for the royal tapestries was dyed in a rich adrianople red.
• I love the adrianople red color of that dress, it's so vibrant!
• That car is painted in a cool adrianople red shade.
• The sunset painted the sky in shades of adrianople red and gold.