arcade

Arcade  A series of arches supported by columns or piers. Also, a covered passageway between two series of arches or between a series of arches and a wall.

Atmospheric Perspective See perspective.

Camera Obscura  A dark room (or box) with a small hole in one side, through which an inverted image of the view outside is projected onto the opposite wall, screen, or mirror. The image is then traced. This forerunner of the modern camera was a tool for recording an optically accurate image.

Arabesque  Ornament or surface decoration with intricate curves and flowing lines based on plant forms.

Beam The horizontal stone or timber placed across an architectural space to take the weight of the

roof or wall above; also called a lintel.

Arch  A curved structure designed to span an opening, usually made of stone or other masonry. Roman arches are semicircular; Islamic and Gothic arches come to a point at the top.

Armature  A rigid framework serving as a supporting inner core for clay or other soft sculpting material.

Assemblage  Sculpture using preexisting, sometimes "found" objects that may or may not contribute their original identities to the total content of the work.

Wash  A thin, transparent layer of paint or ink.

Curvilinear Formed or characterized by curving lines or edges.