Early Modern European Art (Terms)

Perspective

the technique of representing three-dimensional objects and spatial relationships on a two-dimensional surface, creating the illusion of depth and distance

One Point/Mathematical Perspective

an art technique for creating the illusion of depth on a flat surface by using a single vanishing point where parallel lines converge

Optical Correction/Accomidation

the subtle alterations made to straight or geometric lines to counter optical illusions and ensure the finished work appears visually correct to the human eye.

High Relief

a style of sculpture where forms project significantly from the background, typically by at least half their natural depth, and sometimes completely detached from the background, creating a strong sense of three-dimensionality

Flattened Relief

a very shallow, low-relief sculptural technique where carved figures project only millimeters from the background surface, sometimes appearing more like engraving than traditional carving

Fresco

a painting done rapidly in watercolor on wet plaster on a wall or ceiling, so that the colors penetrate the plaster and become fixed as it dries

Tempera

a method of painting with pigments dispersed in an emulsion miscible with water, typically egg yolk. The method was used in Europe for fine painting, mainly on wood panels, from the 12th or early 13th century until the 15th, when it began to give way to oils.

Venus pudica

"modest Venus," a classical pose in Western art where a nude female figure covers her genitals or breasts with one or both hands.

sacre conversazione

a devotional painting of the Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus surrounded by saints, creating a unified, contemplative scene

trompe l’oeil

an artistic term for the highly realistic optical illusion of three-dimensional space and objects on a two-dimensional surface

di sotto in sù

an illusionistic painting technique that creates the effect of figures and objects in a ceiling painting appearing to float or project out of the picture plane, as if viewed from a high vantage point from below

votive

objects created and offered to a deity or sacred entity as an expression of gratitude, devotion, or a plea for favor or assistance

polyptych

a painting, typically an altarpiece, consisting of more than three leaves or panels joined by hinges or folds

diptych

a work of art, often a painting or print, created on two panels that are either hinged together or displayed side by side to form a single cohesive piece

Triptych

a picture or relief carving on three panels, typically hinged together side by side and used as an altarpiece

Grisaille

a painting technique that uses monochromatic, or a single, limited range of colors, to create a three-dimensional illusion of form, often in shades of grey

sfumato

the technique of allowing tones and colors to shade gradually into one another, producing softened outlines or hazy form

aerial perspective

a perspective from a high vantage point looking down at an object or scene. In art, it describes the technique of using the atmosphere's effect on light and color to show distance, making far-off objects appear less saturated, paler, and bluer.

contraposto

a human figure is posed with the weight concentrated on one leg, creating an asymmetrical, S-curved body with opposing tilts in the shoulders and hips, resulting in a relaxed, naturalistic, and dynamic appearance

poesie

art that functioned as the visual equivalent of poetry, often telling dramatic stories from classical literature through mythological figures

Relief (woodcut)

a printmaking technique where an artist carves an image into a wooden block, leaving the design's raised areas to hold ink, which is then transferred to paper to create a print

Intaglio (engraving)

a printmaking method where an image is created by incising or cutting lines into a matrix (typically a metal plate), with ink collected in these recessed grooves and transferred to paper under pressure

Anamorphosis

a distorted projection that transforms into a recognizable image when viewed from a specific vantage point, through a special device like a curved mirror, or by using special lenses

Silverpoint

an ancient drawing technique that uses a metal stylus, most often silver, to make fine, indelible lines on a prepared surface

Cartoon

a full-scale, preparatory drawing for a fresco, tapestry, or stained glass window