Glossary
of Art Terms:
Selected terms used in describing the works
of art in the Franz Mayer Collection or in the 16 art lessons that are
presented in this program.
| A | Azul Punche | Puebla candy that is blue in color made for the celebration of the Day of the Dead. This color was used in Talavera pottery. |
| B | Bargueños | Spanish drop-front writing desk. |
| Baroque | A style of art and architecture which flourished c. 1550-1750 characterized by much ornamentation and curved rather than straight lines. | |
| Bas-relief Sculpture | Low relief sculpture in which the figures are raised above the surrounding surface. | |
| C | Conquistadors | Spanish conquerors of Mexico, Peru, or other parts of America in 16th century. |
| E | Embossed | To raise or form a design above the surrounding surface. |
| Estofado | Technique by which the entire figure is gilded, over-painted, and then engraved to reveal the underlying gold leaf. | |
| F | Fluting | A decoration consisting of long, rounded grooves, as in a column. |
| Foliar | Like a leaf or leaves; to decorate with leaf-like layers or ornamentation | |
| L | Lacquer | Coating substance consisting of resinous materials to give a smooth, polished finish to wood. |
| M | Marquetry | Decorative inlaid work of wood, ivory, metal, etc., used in furniture and flooring. |
| Mosaic | Designs and patterns created by inlaying small bits of materials (stone, glass, etc. )n mortar or other cohesive agents. | |
| Mudejar | Decorative style combining European and Islamic motifs. | |
| N | Neoclassical | A revival of classical style and form in art, literature, architecture, etc. |
| P | Pompeian Urns |
Urns from Roman homes found when exploring the ruins of Pompeii which had been buried by volcanic dust until the 1700's |
| S | Symmetrical | Exact correspondence of opposite sides |
| T | Talavera | A type of pottery made in Puebla during the Viceregal Period |
