À ying buttress: A characteristic technique of Gothic architecture; diagonal
buttresses supported by exterior arches carry the thrust of the ceiling away
from the upper wall to a solid, exterior pier.
foreshortening: A technique in painting for creating the illusion of three-
dimensional objects. Forms appear shortened in relation to the angle from
which they are observed.
fresco (Italian): Literally, “fresh.” The technique of painting in wet plaster on
a wall. If the color is painted onto wet plaster it becomes part of the plaster
wall and is “true fresco” (buon fresco). If it is painted onto the dry surface, it
is “dry fresco” (fresco a secco). The latter technique is used with expensive
pigments or for ¿ nishing details.
frieze: A horizontal architectural band along the upper part of a wall, usually
decorated with relief sculpture or painting.
Futurism: Italian style of the early 20th century that emphasized the speed
and power of the machine and the vitality of modern life.
genre: A work of art showing a scene from everyday life.
Gothic: Evolving from the Romanesque style, this architectural style
originated in France and spanned a period from the 12th century to the 16th
century. The style is characterized by pointed arches, rib vaulting, height,
stained-glass windows, and À ying buttresses.
Humanism: Associated with the Renaissance and the revival of the freer
intellectual spirit of Classical times, this philosophy emphasized the
importance of man as an individual. It took hold in Italy in the 15th century and
emphasized education, reason, and science in conjunction with theology.
illumination: A painted decoration in a manuscript.
illusionism: The use of painting techniques to convince us that we are seeing
real three-dimensional forms.