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

Nevers Faience. (See Nivernais.)

Newcastle Glass. A crown glass, held the best for windows from 1728 to 1830, when it was superseded by the improved make of sheet glass. It was of an ash colour, subject to specks, streaks, and other blemishes, and frequently warped.

Newel, Arch. The upright central pillar supporting a geometrical staircase.

Newel Stairs, Arch. Where the steps are pinned into the wall, and there is no central pillar, the staircase is said to have an open or hollow newel. (See Joinery.)

Fig. 485. Niche in the Sigma of the Caldarium.

Niche, Arch. (It. nicchia, a sea-shell). A recess in a wall for a statue or bust. (Fig. [485].)

Niche-vaulting, Arch. (Germ. Muschelgewölbe). A form of roofing in a semi-cupola design, common in the choirs of churches.

Nick, Old Nick, O. E. (Icelandic nikr; A.S. nicor, a water-god). The devil.

Nickel (contraction of Kupfernickel, or Nick’s copper, a term of derision given to it by the German miners). A white or reddish-white metal, from which nickel-silver is made. It is used to a large extent in the arts, being remarkable for the peculiar whiteness and silver-like lustre which it communicates to other metals when alloyed with them.