Section

GLOSSARY OF ART TERMS

Edited by Mark Quinlan

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D
  5. E
  6. F
  7. G
  8. H
  9. I
  10. J
  11. K
  12. L
  13. M
  14. N
  15. O
  16. P
  17. Q
  18. R
  19. S
  20. T
  21. U
  22. V
  23. W
  24. X
  25. Y
  26. Z
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Vanishing point

In perspective, the point on the horizon at which sets of lines representing parallel lines will converge.

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Vanitas

Deriving from the Latin word for vanity, the term describes a painting, or element of a painting, which acts as a reminder of the inevitability of death and the pointlessness of earthly ambitions and achievements.  Common vanitas symbols include skulls, guttering candles, hour-glasses and clocks, overturned vessels, and even flowers (which soon fade).  The vanitas [...]

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Varnish

A solution of resinous matter in an oil or a volatile liquid. When applied to a surface, it dries transparent, hard and glossy, protecting the surface from air and moisture.

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Veduta

A term having its origin in the Italian word for view, it describes a topographical representation of a town or landscape depicted in such a lifelike manner that the location can be identified.

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Vellum

See parchment.

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Venetian School

In the 16th century, artists such as Giorgione and Titian preferred a gentler, more sensuous approach to oil painting than had been adopted by the Florentine   School. The Venetians used warm atmospheric tones.

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Verso

The reverse or back side of a sheet of paper. The opposite of recto.

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Vignette

An image or painting where the borders are undefined and seem to fade away gradually, until it blends into the background.

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Volume

The articulation of an object or figure’s three-dimensionality.