Drops, Arch. (Lat. guttæ). Ornaments resembling drops, used in the Doric entablature, immediately under the TRIGLYPH and MUTULE.
Druidic (Monuments), Celt. Celtic monuments, also known by the name of Megalithic. (See Standing stones, Dolmens, Menhirs, Cromlechs, &c.). The most ancient and probably the largest Celtic or Druidical temple was at Avebury in Wiltshire. Dr. Stukeley, who surveyed it in 1720, says that “this may be regarded as the grand national cathedral, while the smaller circles which are met with in other parts of the island may be compared to the parish or village churches.”
Drum, Arch. (1) Of a dome or cupola, the Stylobate (or vertical part on which the columns rest). (2) Of the Corinthian and Composite capitals, the solid part; called also Bell, Vase, Basket.
Dry Point. Direct engraving upon copper with the sharp etching-needle itself, without the plate being covered with etching-ground, or the lines bit in by acid. This method produces very soft and delicate work, but it is not so durable in printing as the etched line.
Dryers. In painting, substances imparted to oils to make them dry quickly. The most general in use is OXIDE of LEAD, but white copperas, oxide of manganese, ground glass, oxide of zinc, calcined bones, chloride of lime, and verdigris have all been used at various times.
Drying Oil. Boiled oil, used in painting as a vehicle and a varnish. It is linseed oil boiled with litharge (or oxide of lead).
Dryness. A style of painting in which the outline is harsh and formal, and the colour deficient in mellowness and harmony.
Duck-bills, O. E. Broad-toed shoes of the 15th century.
Fig. 273. Duke’s coronet.