Glossary
aerial perspective: The effect of deep space in a landscape painting,
created by diminution of scale and softened contour lines and by giving
a bluish-green tint to the distant hills and other objects. Also called
atmospheric perspective.
alla prima (Italian: “at ¿ rst”): Painting directly on canvas without
preparatory drawings.
altarpiece: A painted or carved artwork placed behind or above the altar in
a Christian church.
Annunciation: The announcement of the Incarnation to the Virgin Mary.
apse: Semicircular or polygonal recess at the end of the long axis (nave) of
a Christian church.
aquatint: A method of etching a printing plate to hold tone rather than line.
arch: A curved structure used as a support over an open space, as in a
doorway or bridge.
baptistery: A separate building or part of a church in which baptism
is performed.
Baroque: Derived from the French and Portuguese word barocco, meaning
an irregularly shaped pearl, this style was highly ornamental and typically
involved emotion, drama, and tension. Beginning in Italy and spreading
throughout Europe, the Baroque period had its beginnings in the late 16th
century and continued into the 18th century.