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. 518. Passant.

Fig. 519. Passant guardant.

Passant, Her. Walking and looking forward. Passant guardant, walking and looking out from the shield; passant reguardant, walking and looking back; passant repassant, walking in opposite directions. (Fig. [518], 519.)

Passe-partout, Fr. A light picture-frame of cardboard, having the inner edges generally gilt.

Passementerie, Fr. Trimming, lace, or tape of gold, silver, lace, or thread.

Passion, Instruments of the—a frequent subject in ecclesiastical decoration of the Middle Ages—are, the Pitcher from which Jesus poured water; the Towel—represented as hanging on a ring—wherewith He wiped the Apostles’ feet; the Two Swords which they showed Him, when He said, “It is enough;” the Ear of Malchus; St. Peter’s Sword, represented as a small falchion; the Post to which the Saviour was bound; the Scourge; the Crown of Thorns; the Reed wherewith He was smitten on the head; the Cross; the Ladder; the Nails; the Spear of Longinus, crossed by the Reed with the Sponge; the Fire at which St. Peter warmed himself; the Cock; the Pincers, and a Heart pierced with five wounds.

Passus, R. A pace, from the point where the heel leaves the ground, to where the same heel is set down; five Roman feet. Mille passuum, or a thousand such paces, formed the Roman mile.

Pasta Verde, It. Sap-green; a vegetable green pigment prepared from the berries of the buckthorn.