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. 454. Medusa Head on a shield.

Medusa Head was frequently used as an ornament for the centre of a shield. (Cf. Gorgoneia.)

Megalartia, Gr. (μεγαλάρτια). Festivals held at Delos in honour of Ceres, who was called Megalartos (Μεγάλαρτος) from her having bestowed bread on mankind.

Megalesian (games), R. (Ludi megalenses). Festivals celebrated annually on the 4th of April in honour of Cybelê, who was called the Great (Μεγαλεῖα), in which the people went in procession to the Field of Mars to witness scenic spectacles. The magistrates attended these spectacles in a purple toga, or “toga prætexta;” hence the expression “Purpura Megalensis.”

Megylp. A vehicle used by some oil-painters, condemned as tending to destroy the permanency of the picture.

Melides, Gr. Nymphs of fruit-trees. (Cf. Hamadryades.)

Melina, R. A pouch made out of the skin of a marten (or a badger, meles).

Melium, R. A collar for sporting-dogs, studded with nails and iron spikes (clavulis, capitatis).

Mell. (See Malleus.)