Scena, Gr. and R. (σκηνή). (1) The stage of a theatre, including not only the part so called at the present day, but the wall at the back, which was provided with three doors, one in the centre (valvæ regiæ), and two lateral ones (valvæ hospitales). (2) A double-edged axe, used in the sacrifices; one of the iron sides of this axe had the broad blade of the securis, and the other that of the dolabra. In the sense of “an axe,” scena is the contracted form of an old Latin word sacena.
Scene-painting was invented by Inigo Jones, about 1610.
Scenographia, R. (σκηνο-γραφία). The drawing of a building in perspective. A geometrical plan is called orthographia.
Sceptre, Gr. and R. (σκῆπτρον). Originally, in early antiquity, a long staff similar to the shaft of a spear, which was carried by great persons to lean on when walking. Afterwards it became the truncheon, and a weapon of offence and defence. Later on, an ornament was added to the upper end of this staff, and it became the insignia of power and authority. The ivory sceptre of the kings and consuls of Rome was surmounted by an eagle. The sceptre was an attribute of Jupiter and Juno, as sovereigns of the gods.
Schafte, O. E. (See Shaft.)
Scheele’s Green. A green pigment; an arsenite of copper; arsenite of potash mixed with sulphate of copper; used in oil and water-colours.
Scherzo, It. (playful). A lively style in music; faster than the minuet (such as in Beethoven’s Second Symphony, op. 36, in D major).
Fig. 604. Schleswig Lace.
Schleswig Lace. North Schleswig (or South Jutland) is the only province of Denmark in which there was a regular manufacture of lace. The art itself is supposed to have been introduced, in 1515, by Queen Elizabeth (sister of the Emperor Charles V., and wife of Christian II. of Denmark). About 1712 lace-making was much improved by Brabant women. The earlier specimens are all of Flemish character, made on the pillow in the same way, occasionally imitating the Mechlin ground with the pattern apparently run in with the needle. All Schleswig laces are remarkable for their fine quality and excellent workmanship. The engraving shows part of a shirt-collar of Christian IV., of a Brabant pattern to be seen in his portrait in Hampton Court Palace.