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

Lamp-black. A soot used as a pigment. It is very opaque, and dries slowly in oil. It is also the basis of all printing and lithographic inks.

Fig. 416. Device of Catherine de’ Medicis.

Lance. In Christian art, the attribute of St. Matthias, in allusion to the method of his martyrdom. (See Amentum, Lancea, Hasta.) A shivered lance with the motto “Lacrymæ hinc, hinc dolor,” was a device adopted by Catherine de’ Medicis after the fatal accident to her husband, Henry II., in a tournament. (Fig. [416].)

Lance-rest. A projecting iron fixed to a breastplate to support the end of the lance in a joust or tournament.

Lancea, R. A long, light spear, serving both as a pike and a missile.

Lanceola. Dimin. of Lancea (q.v.).

Lanceolated, Arch. Having the form of a spear-head. The term is applied to lancet windows, arches, and members of architecture forming a rose.

Fig. 417. Lancet Arch. 13th century.