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

Severey, Arch. A bay, or compartment in a vaulted ceiling.

Fig. 609. Sèvres Vase, with jewelled ornament.

Sèvres Porcelain. The celebrated manufactory at Sèvres was established in 1756. Soon afterwards it became the property of the king, Louis XV., and was much patronized both by him and Madame de Pompadour. Some of the first artists of France were employed to decorate the plaques and vases, and the productions of this factory are more highly prized than any others in the world. In 1870 three jardinières were sold by auction in London for over 10,000l. The finest colours of this porcelain were the bleu du roi and the rose de Pompadour.

Sewer. (See Cloaca.)

Sextans, R. (sextus, sixth). A copper coin worth the tenth of an as, in weight about two ounces (unciæ).

Sextant. The sixth part of a circle; an arc of 60 degrees.

Sextarius, R. (sextus). A measure of capacity used for liquids, grain, &c.; it held the tenth of a Congius (q.v.).

Sextertius, R. A coin originally of silver, and afterwards of fine copper (aurichalcum); it was worth two ases and a half.

Sextula, R. The sixth part of the ounce (uncia); the smallest denomination of Roman money.