An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology / Explaining terms frequently used in works on architecture, arms, bronzes, Christian art, colour, costume, decoration, devices, emblems, heraldry, lace, personal ornaments, pottery, painting, sculpture, &c., with their derivations.

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

67629

Title

An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology / Explaining terms frequently used in works on architecture, arms, bronzes, Christian art, colour, costume, decoration, devices, emblems, heraldry, lace, personal ornaments, pottery, painting, sculpture, &c., with their derivations.

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A comprehensive reference work defining terms in art, archaeology, architecture, and heraldry. This dictionary explains concepts across diverse fields including painting, sculpture, costume, and decoration, offering etymological origins and historical context for each entry.

Summary up to 500 words

John W. Mollett's *An Illustrated Dictionary of Words Used in Art and Archaeology* serves as a comprehensive reference for scholars and enthusiasts of visual culture, bridging classical antiquity, medieval traditions, and Renaissance developments. Published in 1883, the work systematically defines terms across a vast spectrum of subjects, including architecture, arms, bronzes, Christian art, colour, costume, heraldry, and sculpture. Mollett, an author previously known for biographies of Rembrandt and Wilkie, provides detailed etymologies often tracing words to their Latin, Greek, or Hebrew roots. The text covers an extensive chronological span, from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and Assyrian sculptures to 19th-century pigments and lace. Entries range from architectural elements like the 'apse' and 'buttress' to specific artistic materials such as 'cadmium yellow' and 'zinc white.' The dictionary delves into specialized fields, explaining heraldic concepts like 'cadency' and 'cabossed,' religious iconography such as 'Byzantine painting,' and costume details like the 'zimarra.' Mollett also elucidates tools of the trade, including the 'burin' for engraving and the 'calamus' for writing, alongside specific artifacts like the 'bucranium' in the Temple of Vespasian and 'Abraxas' stones used by Gnostic sects. By integrating historical usage notes with references to specific artifacts and illustrations, the work offers an essential resource for understanding the vocabulary of art history and archaeology, making complex terms accessible to a broad audience interested in the material culture of the past.

LLM editorial rating

4.5/5

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2026-07-07 07:26 UTC

Categories

• Art
• Archaeology