Aqua-tint. A method of engraving with the help of mastic. (Consult Fielding’s “Art of Engraving.”)
Fig. 36. Pont-du-Gard, a Roman aqueduct near Nismes. (Restored)
Aqueduct, Gen. (aqua, water, and duco, to lead). An artificial canal for conveying water from one point to another, and often to a considerable distance from the source. Many ancient nations have executed works of this description, but the Roman aqueducts are especially celebrated. The most perfect is that which still exists, in a ruined state, over the river Gard, near Nismes in the South of France, called Pont-du-Gard. (Fig. [36].) Aqueducts were often discharged into reservoirs.
Aquilæ, R. The eagles, or ensigns, of the Roman legion under the Empire. They were of silver or bronze, and had the wings outstretched. As an architectural term aquila denotes the triangular face formed by the tympanum of a pediment, because the latter was often ornamented with an eagle. (See Ensign.)
Aquiminarium, R. An ewer for pouring water over the hands of the guests after a banquet. Other terms for this ewer were aquæmanalis and aquimanale.
Ara, R. The Latin term for Altar. (See this word and Altare.)
Arab Pottery. (See Gargoulette.)
Arabesque, Gen. An ornament of a pattern more or less intricate, composed of stems, foliage, leaves, fruits, scrolls, or leafage, as well as of curious and fantastic animals. It is an error to suppose that arabesque, as its name might seem to indicate, was an Arab invention; it was known to the Greeks and Romans, and was largely employed in Græco-Roman architecture.
Aræostylé, Arch. An order of temples, in which the space between the columns is four diameters in width.