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

Raunle-tree. Scotch; for Rantle-tree (q.v.).

Raven, the ensign of the ancient Danes, was the bird of Odin. In Christian art, the emblem of Divine Providence (in allusion to the history of Elisha); attribute of certain saints, especially of ascetics. (See Crow.)

Ray, Chr. The fish (rina diaudan) which was burned by Tobias (vii. 2, 3), and the eggs of which are still burnt for intermittent fevers among the Greeks. (Harris, 408.)

Ray, O. E. (i. e. rayed). Striped cloth much worn in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Raynes, O. E. (from Rennes in Brittany). Fine linen.

“Cloth of raynes to sleep on soft.” (Chaucer.)

Rayonnée, Her. (See Radiant.)

Real (Eng. Royal). A Spanish coin. There are two kinds: a real of plate, worth 4¾d., and a real of vellon, worth 2½d. (Cf. Rial.)

Realgar. A red pigment, formed of arsenic in combination with sulphur. A fugitive and corrosive pigment. (See Merimée, De la Peinture à l’huile, p. 124.)

Realism, Realistic, in Art. (See Ideal and Real.)