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

Prefericulum, R. A shallow metal bowl used in sacrifices for carrying the sacred vessels. Its shape resembled the patera.

Premier Coup. (See Prima Painting.)

Pre-Raphaelites. A modern school of painters, who, throwing aside all conventional laws and traditions in art, direct their study to the forms and colours of Nature.

Presentoir, Fr. An épergne or table-stand for flowers; made very shallow, on a tall and richly-decorated stem. A favourite subject of the goldsmith’s art in the 16th century.

Pressed Glass. Glass pressed into a mould by a machine; differing from blown glass.

Presto, It. In Music, quickly.

Priapeia, R. (πριάπεια). Festivals in honour of Priapus; they were held chiefly at Lampsacus.

Pricket. A young stag of two years, when his horns begin to sprout.

Prie-Dieu. A kneeling-desk for prayers.

Prima Painting (in French, peinture au premier coup) is a modern style directed to the avoidance of extreme finish, described in a work by Hundertpfund, “The Art of Painting restored to its Simplest and Surest Principles.”