Pictura, R. (pingo, to paint). The art of painting; pictura in tabula, a painting on wood; pictura in linteo or in sipario, a painting on canvas; pictura inusta, a painting in encaustic or wax; pictura udo tectorio, a fresco-painting. Embroidery was called pictura textilis.
Picturatus, R. Painted; tabella picturata, a painted panel; linteum picturatum, embroidered linen.
Pièce de Maitrise, Fr. A test-work produced by an apprentice to prove his competence to become a master of his art or craft.
Piedouche, Fr. A bracket-pedestal.
Pieds de Hérisson, Fr. Fabulous animals so called represented on Persian pottery, mentioned by Jacquemart (p. 152); having the legs of a stag, the tail of a tiger, and the head of a woman. The legend is that Mohamet and Ali will mount such beasts on the Day of Judgment.
Piers, in Architecture, are the perpendicular supports from which arches spring.
Pietà, It. A picture or statue of the Body of Christ, attended by the Virgin Mary, or by holy women and angels.
Pietra Dura. Mosaic panelling of hard pebbles of variegated colours, representing fruit, birds, &c. in relief, and used as a decoration for coffers and cabinets in the 15th century.
Pietré Commesse, It. Costly inlaid-work representing flowers, fruit, &c., in precious stones—such as agates, jaspers, lapis lazuli, &c.—introduced in Florence in the 17th century, and still maintained in the royal manufactory of that city. The finest examples are in the chapel of the Medici attached to the cathedral church of St. Lorenzo.
Pig. A black pig was represented at St. Anthony’s feet, representing his victory over sensuality and gluttony. The monks of the order of St. Anthony used to keep herds of consecrated pigs.