rococo: An 18th-century style characterized by pastel colors, lively
brushwork, and the choice of light, exotic, often erotic, subjects. The term
is derived from rocaille, a word referring to decorative rock work, as in
gardens or parks.
romanesque: An architectural style developed in France in the 11th century.
The style is based on ancient Roman architecture and is typically massive,
with round arches, heavy walls, and barrel vaults.
Romanticism: A late 18th- and early 19th-century art style that focused on
subjects of intense emotional importance to the artist and emphasized the
depiction of nature in its untamed state.
sarcophagus: A large stone cof¿ n.
stanza (Italian): Room.
Surrealism: From the French meaning “super-reality.” A 20th-century art
movement based upon the unconscious and depicting irrational, dream-like,
or fantastic images.
tempera: A water-based painting medium in which ground colors are usually
suspended in egg yolk. The principal medium before the late 15th century in
Europe, it is characterized by a gleaming surface, decorative À atness, and
durability. Sometimes used in conjunction with oil paints.
transept: The short axis, or cross arm, of a church. It intersects the nave just
before the chancel. The ground plan of such a church is cross-shaped.
triptych: An altarpiece or other devotional image made up of three painted
or carved panels. The wings are smaller than the center panel and are
sometimes hinged for closing.
trompe l’oeil (French): Literally, “trick the eye”; a style of painting that
is intended to deceive the viewer’s perception of three-dimensionality.
See Illusionism.