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

Virtu, Fr. The quality of rareness, or art excellence sought in the selection of specimens of art-work by a Virtuoso.

Virtues. A degree of the second order of Angels. They are usually represented in complete armour bearing pennons and battle-axes. The Cardinal virtues are: Power, Prudence, Temperance, and Justice; and the Theological virtues are: Faith, Hope, and Charity. There are innumerable other virtues variously represented in Christian allegory, opposed to corresponding Vices.

Virtuoso, It. A man skilled in the selection of specimens of art-work.

Fig. 691. Viscount’s Coronet.

Viscount (vice-comes). The fourth degree of rank and dignity in the British peerage. Originally an earl’s deputy in his county, made an arbitrary title of honour, next in rank to an earl, by Henry VI. in 1440. A viscount’s mantle is two doublings and a half of plain fur. His coronet, granted by James I., has only a row of sixteen pearls set close to the circlet.

Vise, Arch. A spiral staircase. (See Newel.)

“Vyce, a tourning stayre, vis.” (Palsgrave.)

Visitation, Chr. (It. La visitazione; German, die Heimsuchung Mariä). A frequent theme of Christian art, representing the meeting of the Virgin Mary and Elizabeth, the mother of St. John the Baptist. (Consult Mrs. Jameson’s Legends of the Madonna.)

Visor. The part of a helmet made to cover the face. (See Umbril.)