An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology / Explaining terms frequently used in works on architecture, arms, bronzes, Christian art, colour, costume, decoration, devices, emblems, heraldry, lace, personal ornaments, pottery, painting, sculpture, &c., with their derivations.

by John W. Mollett

Fig. 32. Opus Antiquum.

Antiquum Opus, Arch. An ancient kind of stone-work or masonry composed of irregular stones. Another name for it was opus incertum.

Antiseptic varnish. A glazing composed to protect vegetable or animal pigments.

Antitype. The realization of the type.

Antonine Column. One of the most valuable architectural monuments in Rome. It is a lofty pillar ornamented with a series of bas-reliefs extending spirally from the base to the summit, representing the victories of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.

Anulus. (See Annulus.)

Anvil. In Christian art the attribute of St. Adrian, and of St. Eloy, the patron saint of the smiths.

Apalare, R. A kitchen utensil; a sort of large metal spoon or ladle.

Ape. In Christian art the emblem of malice and of lust. Common in illuminations of the penitential psalms, in allusion to David’s fall.