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

Taille de bois, Fr. Wood-engraving.

Taille douce, Fr. Copper-plate engraving.

Taille dure, Fr. Steel engraving.

Tail-piece. An ornamental design placed at the end of a page or chapter of a book. In French cul-de-lampe.

Takel, O. E. An arrow,—

“Wel could he dress his takel yeomanly.” (Chaucer.)

Talaria, R. (talus, the ankle). Wings fixed to the ankles; the attribute of Mercury, Perseus, and sometimes Minerva. They are represented either attached to sandals, or growing from the limb.

Talbot, Her. A badge of the Earl of Shrewsbury of that name (the “Scourge of France”). A silver running hound or talbot.

Talbotype. The photographic process of multiplying impressions from a negative, invented by Mr. Fox Talbot. (See Calotype.)

Talc (from Germ. Talg, tallow). A translucent mineral, resembling mica but much softer, “being calcined and variously prepared, it maketh a curious whitewash, which some justify lawful, because clearing not changing the complexion.” (Fuller.) The Chinese make lanterns, shades, and ornaments of talc.