Nut Oil. This medium for colour-grinding is derived from the walnut; as a vehicle it is preferred to linseed oil, and is the quickest dryer. (See Mediums, Oils.)
Nutmeg Ornament, Arch. A common feature in Early English work in the north of England, but not in the south. It resembles half a nutmeg, and is carved at certain distances apart in the hollow of a dripstone at St. Mary’s Church, Nunmonkton, Yorkshire.
Nuttoo, Hind. A nose-stud or ornament worn by Indian women, often set with brilliants, rubies, emeralds, and pearls.
Fig. 492. Nymphæum of Egeria, near Rome.
Nymphæum, Nympheum (νύμφαιον and νυμφεῖον). Literally, a building consecrated to the nymphs. It was a large and richly-decorated chamber, with columns, niches, and statues, and a fountain in the centre. Nymphæa were often erected near the head of a spring, and formed cool and agreeable retreats. Fig. [492] represents a portion of the ruins of the nymphæum of Egeria, near Rome; and Fig. [493] the interior of the nymphæum at Nismes, restored. In Christian times the fountains or cisterns common at the doors of churches were called nymphæa.
Fig. 493. Nymphæum at Nismes (restored).
Nymphs. Inferior goddesses of the mountains, forests, waters, or meadows. Those presiding over rivers, &c., were Oceanides, Naiads, Nereids; those over mountains, Oreiads; those over woods and trees, Dryads and Hamadryads; those over valleys, Napææ, &c. They were represented in art as beautiful young women. The waters of Hades had their presiding nymphs, the Avernales.