Chapter 7

Fig. 32. Opus Antiquum.

Antiquum Opus, Arch. An ancient kind of stone-work or masonry composed of irregular stones. Another name for it wasopus incertum.

Antiseptic varnish.A glazing composed to protect vegetable or animal pigments.

Antitype.The realization of thetype.

Antonine Column.One of the most valuable architectural monuments in Rome. It is a lofty pillar ornamented with a series of bas-reliefs extending spirally from the base to the summit, representing the victories of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus.

Anulus.(SeeAnnulus.)

Anvil.In Christian art the attribute of St. Adrian, and of St. Eloy, the patron saint of the smiths.

Apalare, R. A kitchen utensil; a sort of large metal spoon or ladle.

Ape.In Christian art the emblem of malice and of lust. Common in illuminations of the penitential psalms, in allusion to David’s fall.

Apex, R. (apex, the top). A piece of olive wood pointed at the end, and set in a flock of wool. It formed the head-dress of theFlaminesandSalii. By analogy, the term was further used to denote a cap, and also the ridge on the top of a helmet to which the horsehair crest was attached.

Aphractus, Gr. and R. (ἄφρακτον, lit. unguarded). A vessel without a deck, or only partly decked fore and aft.

Aphrodisia, Gr. (Ἀφροδίσια). A general term under which were comprised all the festivals held in honour of Venus (Aphroditè).

Fig. 33. Aplustre and anchor of a Roman ship.—From bas-relief.

Aplustre, Gr. and R. (ἄφλαστον). An ornament placed at a ship’s stern. It was constructed of flexible wooden planks, in imitation of the feather of a bird’s wing.

Apobates, Gr. (Lat.Desultor). One who dismounts. (1) Soldiers in chariots who leaped in and out in the fight. (2) The circus riders who leaped from one horse to another.

Apodyterium, R. and Gr.-R. (fromἀπὸ δύω, to put off). In a general sense, an undressing-room, and more particularly the apartment in the baths where the bathers undressed. As little light penetrated from without, there was generally a lamp burning in a niche. Anapodyteriumsuch as that just described may still be seen at Pompeii.

Apollino, It. The name usually given to the beautiful “Apollo of Florence,” attributed to Praxiteles.

ApophygeorApophysis, Arch. The small fascia or band at the top and base of the shaft of columns.

Fig. 34. Apostle Mug.

Apostle Mug.The mug or tankard shown in the engraving is of Nanconian or Nuremberg stone-ware, with figures of the twelve apostles enamelled in colours upon it. (Fig.34.)Apostle Spoonsare well known to have received their names from the figures of the Apostles forming the handles.

Apostyls Coats, O. E. Probably garments used for mystery plays.

Apotheca, Gr. and R. (ἀποθήκη, a granary). A store-room or magazine for containing any kind of stock. The Romans also applied the term specially to a wine store-room situated in the upper part of the house; this was sometimes called thefumarium. Here the wine was placed in amphoræ to ripen it more quickly, whereas when stored in thecella vinaria, it was placed inCupæandDolia(q.v.).

Apotheosis, Gr. (ἀπὸ, θεὸςgod, to deify). A deification; the ceremony by which a mortal was introduced among the number of the gods. The proper term in Latin isconsecratio(q.v.). The funeral pile, in such cases, was built several stories in height, and an eagle was let loose from the top storey, to carry the soul of the emperor from earth to heaven. This is commemorated upon the medals struck on the occasion, which represent an altar with a fire on it, from which an eagle ascends.

Apparel, Chr. Embroidered additions to the vestments of the clergy.

Appaumée, Her. Said of ahand, open, erect, and showing the palm.

Appianum, Lat. Appian green, a pigment used by the ancients, prepared from green earth, now known asCyprusorVerona green, because the best is found at those places.

Apple.The emblem in classical art of victory, and in Christian art of the fall of man.

Appliqué, Fr. Applied ornament, as of metal or porcelain upon wood. In embroidery, Appliqué work is used, when a pattern cut out of one colour or stuff is applied, or laid on, to another.

Fig. 35. Apse of St. William in the Desert, a monastery in the South of France.—Built aboutA. D.820.

Apse,Apsis, orChevet(ἁψὶς, bow or vault). The termination of a church. It is generally of semicircular form, and surmounted by a demicupola, but there are instances of rectangular apses. Fig.35represents the apse of St. William in the Desert. (SeeAbsis.)

Apsis gradata, Chr. The chair occupied by bishops in the early Christian basilicas.

Apteral, Arch. Without wings. A temple without columns on the sides.

Aqua fortis(nitric acid). Used by engravers and etchers for biting-in on copper and steel.

Aqua marina.A transparent green stone, frequently used by the gem engravers of antiquity.

Aquæmanalis.(SeeAquiminarium.)

Aquamanile, Chr. The basin used for washing the hands of the celebrant in the liturgy. A. of great splendour are frequently mentioned in the ancient records. The corresponding ewer was calledUrceus.

Aqua-tint.A method of engraving with the help of mastic. (ConsultFielding’s “Art of Engraving.”)

Fig. 36. Pont-du-Gard, a Roman aqueduct near Nismes. (Restored)

Aqueduct, Gen. (aqua, water, andduco, to lead). An artificial canal for conveying water from one point to another, and often to a considerable distance from the source. Many ancient nations have executed works of this description, but the Roman aqueducts are especially celebrated. The most perfect is that which still exists, in a ruined state, over the river Gard, near Nismes in the South of France, calledPont-du-Gard. (Fig.36.) Aqueducts were often discharged into reservoirs.

Aquilæ, R. The eagles, or ensigns, of the Roman legion under the Empire. They were of silver or bronze, and had the wings outstretched. As an architectural termaquiladenotes the triangular face formed by the tympanum of a pediment, because the latter was often ornamented with an eagle. (SeeEnsign.)

Aquiminarium, R. An ewer for pouring water over the hands of the guests after a banquet. Other terms for this ewer wereaquæmanalisandaquimanale.

Ara, R. The Latin term forAltar. (See this word andAltare.)

Arab Pottery.(SeeGargoulette.)

Arabesque, Gen. An ornament of a pattern more or less intricate, composed of stems, foliage, leaves, fruits, scrolls, or leafage, as well as of curious and fantastic animals. It is an error to suppose that arabesque, as its name might seem to indicate, was an Arab invention; it was known to the Greeks and Romans, and was largely employed in Græco-Roman architecture.

Aræostylé, Arch. An order of temples, in which the space between the columns is four diameters in width.

Arbalest.(SeeCross-bow.)

Arca, R. (arceo, to enclose, preserve). (1) A kind of box or strong chest used by the ancients as a receptacle for money, clothes, or any valuable effects. (2) A strong box or money chest; (3) a rough chest used for a coffin; (4) a cage for criminals, made of oak; (5) a wooden caisson, answering the purpose of a modern coffer-dam.

Arcade.A series of arches.

Arcadi.A Literary Academy established at Rome in 1690. The members adopted pastoral names. Their device was a Pandæan pipe, surrounded by a wreath of olive and pine.

Arcatures, Arch. A series of blind arcades represented on a wall, in relief or painting. Carved arcatures are those forming a kind of screen; they are detached from the wall, and have an inner and outer face.

Arcera, R. A cart boarded all over so as to resemble a huge chest (arca). The inmate reclined on cushions and pillows covered with drapery; and the exterior was covered with hangings, the richness of which varied with the rank and fortune of the owner.

Arch(arcus, a bow). A structure the form of which is based on the segment of a circle. The kinds of arches are named according to the curve which they make.Round-headed arches; semicircular, segmental or stilted, introduced by the Romans.Triangular arches, of very early date.Horse-shoe arches; the Moorish, the common horse-shoe and the pointed (which is also a Moorish form). Then thetrefoil archof the Early English style: with its variations, including the square-headed trefoil of the 13th century. Thelancetor acute-pointed; theequilateral; thepointed trefoil; theogee, of the 14th and 15th century; theTudorarch, of the reigns of Henry VII. and VIII.; and the decorative forms, not used in construction; theflamboyant, thecinquefoiland themultifoilare all described under the headings printed above inItalics.

Archaic(art). The first period of Art is distinguished by stiffness and conventionality of treatment, directed much more to the symbolic representation of an idea than to beauty or true imitation. It is properly called also thehieratictype, from its intimate relation to religious symbolism. SeeSelinuntian;Æginetan Marbles.

Archangels.The seven angels of the Christian hierarchy who stand in the presence of God.St. Michael, sometimes in complete armour, bears a sword and scales, as the Angel of Judgment, also a rod with a cross;St. Raphaelbears a fish, and a pilgrim’s staff and gourd;St. Gabrielbears a lily;Urielcarries a parchment roll and a book, as the interpreter of prophecies;Chamuelbears a cup and a staff;Zophiela flaming sword; andZadchielthe sacrificial knife which he took from Abraham. The Archangels are generally represented with the nimbus, and clothed as princes and warriors; their ensign is a banner and cross, and they are armed with a sword and a dart in one hand.

ArchedorArchy, Her. Bent or bowed.

Arched-buttressorFlying Buttress, Arch. An incomplete arch supporting the spandrels of a roof. It springs from aButtress(q.v.).

Archeria, Med. Lat. A vertical loophole from which arrows could be discharged.

Archibault.(SeeArchivolt.)

Architrave, Gr. and R. (ἀρχὸς, chief; and Ital.trave, a beam). That part of a structure which rests immediately on the capital of a column or pilaster. Architraves are surmounted by a frieze and a cornice.

Archivium, Gr. and R. A building in which archives (charters and records) of a city or state were deposited. It was also calledArcheionorTabularium(q.v.).

ArchivoltorArchibault, (arcus, andvolutus, rolled round). The whole of the mouldings decorating an arch or arcade, and following the contour of the same.

Archlute, old Eng. A kind oftheorbo, or double-necked lute. 16th century.

Archy.(SeeArched.)

Arcosolium, Chr. (arcus, andsolium, a coffin). An arched or vaulted sepulchral chamber in the catacombs, sanctified by the interment of martyrs and holy persons; and in later generations often richly decorated, as with marble incrustations, paintings, and mosaics. Thearcosoliain which Christians of small means were buried are constructed in the walls of the passages in the catacombs. The wealthier Christians, however, hadarcosoliaspecially excavated for their family and friends; the following inscription is frequently found on them:Nobis et nostris et amicis.

Arcuatio, R. A structure formed by means of arches or arcades, and employed to support a construction of any kind, such as a bridge, aqueducts, &c.

Arcubalista, R. (βάλλω, to throw). A machine for hurling arrows, somewhat similar to a cross-bow.

Arcubus.(SeeArquebus.)

Arcula, R. Diminutive ofArca(q.v.). (1) A small chest. (2) A colour-box used by encaustic painters. (3) A small sepulchre, or stone coffin.

Arculum, R. A garland which theDialis(Priest of Jupiter) wore on his head while sacrificing; it consisted of one or two pomegranate boughs bent into a circle and fastened with fillets of white or red wool.

Arcuma, R. A small carriage constructed to hold only one person. (SeePlaustrum,Chiramaxium,Vehiculum.)

Arcus, R. (1) A bow for discharging arrows. There were many kinds in use among the ancients. Those of the Greeks and Romans presented on the whole much analogy with each other, while the Scythian bow differed entirely from both. (2) An arch of masonry; thearcus triumphaliswas a triumphal arch. The Romans never used any other form of arch than the semicircle.

Ardenti.Literary Academies of this name existed at Pisa, at Naples, and at Viterbo.

Area, R. (1) Any broad, open and level space, and so a square or parade.Areæwere adorned with fountains and statues set up in honour of some divinity, who frequently gave his name to the spot. Thus at Rome there were thearea Apollinis,area Mercurii, &c. (2) A threshing-floor in a field.

Arena, R. (1) Sand; a material employed in building. (2) The level space forming the area of an amphitheatre.

Arenaria, R. A Roman game of ball for two persons; it derived its name from the fact that the ball was made to rebound from the ground (arena).

Areste.A cloth of gold, elaborately figured, used for vestments. 13th century. It is not to be confounded witharras.

Fig. 37. Arezzo vase.

Arezzo Vase.Many fine examples of old Etruscan pottery have been found in or near the town of Arezzo in Tuscany. They are of red lustred ware ornamented in relief, and show evident traces of Greek origin. (Fig.37.)

Argei, R. (1) Certain sites at Rome, having a small temple attached to them. (2) Images or lay-figures made of bulrushes, which were cast into the Tiber, on the Ides of May, from the Sublician bridge. This custom is still kept up in the south of France, where, in certain towns, on Ash-Wednesday, they drown an image calledCaramentranwho represents the god of the carnival.

Argent, Her. The metal silver, represented in engravings by a plain white.

Fig. 38. Point d’Argentan.

Argentan, Point d’.Lace made much in the same way as Point d’Alençon, but having the flowers bolder and larger in pattern and in higher relief; the foundation, called the bride-ground, is also coarser. It takes its name from the little town of Argentan in Normandy, where it was made. (Fig.38.)

Fig. 39. Argentella lace.

Argentella.A name given to a lace made in Genoa, but worked much like Point d’Alençon.

Argive.A school of sculpture, contemporary with theAttic Schoolof Pheidias; of which Polycletus was the head. He was the author of theCanon, or law of proportion in sculpture, exemplified in hisDoryphorus(spear-bearer); he worked principally in bronze, and was famous for his chryselephantine statues. A specimen of the Argive school of sculpture is theDiscobolusof Myron (a contemporary of Polycletus) in the British Museum. It is an ancient copy in marble from the original bronze statue. Closeness to Nature is a distinguishing characteristic of the Argive School.

Fig. 40. Battering-ram.

AriesorRam. A battering-ram. It consisted of a stout beam, furnished at one end with an iron head, shaped like that of a ram, and was used to batter the walls of a city till a breach was effected. The battering-ram was at first worked by men, who simply carried it in their arms, but in course of time it was suspended from a wooden tower (Fig.40), or a vertical beam, and worked with the aid of ropes. When the battering-ram was enclosed in a kind of wooden shed bearing some resemblance to the shell of a tortoise, it was called by the name of that animal (testudo) (Fig.41).

Fig. 41. Battering-ram intestudo.

Ark, Chr. A symbol of the church.

Armanahuasi, Peruv. The baths of the ancient Peruvians. They were remarkable for the elegance and luxury displayed in their ornamentation. They were furnished with magnificent fountains, some of which threw their jets upwards (huraea), others in a horizontal direction (paccha).

Armarium, R. A cabinet, cupboard, or bookcase. Originally a place for keeping arms. Some were ornamented with plates of brass set in links of gold; others were made of gold inlaid with precious stones of various shapes. (See alsoAlmery.)

Armatura, R. (1) In a general sense, armour of every kind. Thusarmatura levisdenoted the light infantry; and soldiers armed only with ahasta, and the dart,gæsa(of Gallic invention) were calledleves milites. (2) The art of fencing. (3) The pieces of iron or bronze which connect stones or the parts of a structure. (4) The iron framework in a window or casement.

Armed, Her. Having natural weapons of offence, &c. A lion isarmedof his claws and teeth, a bull of his horns, &c.

Armenian Green.(SeeChrysocolla.)

Armet, Old Eng. A kind of helmet of the 16th century, worn with or without thebeaver.

Armilausa, Lat. A classical garment adopted in England and elsewhere, worn by knights over their armour. Strutt describes it as “a round curtal weed, which they called a cloak, and in Latinarmilausa, as only covering the shoulders.”

Fig. 42. Armilla. Celtic Bracelet.

Fig. 43. Armilla. Gaulish Bracelet.

Armilla.In general, any circlet of gold or silver which forms a bracelet for men or women, whether worn on the wrist, arm, or ankle. Bracelets worn by men often consisted of three or four massive bands of bronze, silver, or gold, and thus covered a considerable portion of the arm. Bracelets were worn by the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Medes, the Persians, the Celts (Fig.42), and the Gauls (Fig.43). The Egyptians in some instances employed ivory and porcelain in their manufacture.

Armillum, R. A kind ofurceolus, or small pitcher for holding a particular kind of wine. It was among the number of the sacrificial vessels, and was well known from the Latin proverb:Anus ad armillum(an old woman returns to her bottle).

Armilustrium.A Roman festival for the purification of arms.

Arming Points.The “points” or ties of armour.

Armins.Cloth or velvet coverings for pikehandles.

Armory, Her. (1) Heraldry. (2) A list of names and titles with the arms belonging to them.

Fig. 44. Primitive Roman Armour.

Armour,Arms. In almost every deposit whereprehistoricremains are buried, we find clubs, hatchets, arrows, hammers, or other arms, mostly, even in thestone age, carefully ornamented. The ancientEgyptianswere armed with “the bow, spear, two species of javelin, sling, a short and straight sword, dagger, knife, falchion, axe or hatchet, battle-axe, pole-axe, mace or club, &c. Their defensive arms consisted of a helmet of plate, or quilted head-piece, a cuirass, or coat of armour made of metal plates, or quilted with metal bands, and an ample shield” (Wilkinson). Among the Greeks, the heavy-armed warrior wore the greaves, cuirass, with the mitra underneath, and the zone or cingulum above; his sword, ensis or gladius, hung on his left side, and the large round shield, sacus, aspis, clipeus or scutum, hung from his shoulder; his helmet, corys, cunea, cassis or galea; his spear, enkus, doru or hasta, or two spears. The defensive armour, the shield and thorax, were called hopla, and the man hoplites. The light-armed, psiloi, anoploi, gymnai, gymnetai, had a slighter covering of skins, or cloth, and fought with darts, stones, bows and arrows or slings. There were also the peltastæ, so called from their small shield pelte. All the above-mentioned parts of classical armour, and their modifications in that of mediæval times are described under their respective headings; as well as much of mediæval armour.

Arnis, Gr. and R. An expiatory festival held in honour of Linus and his mother Psamathê, the daughter of Crotopus, king of Argos. Various legends are extant regarding the origin of this festival, which was calledArnisfrom the sheep (ἀρνειὸς) that were sacrificed.

Arotoi-Hieroi, Gr. Literally:sacred labours, a term used to denote three agricultural festivals which took place in Attica; the first was held in commemoration of the first sowing; the second, on occasion of reaping the earliest crop of barley in a field near Eleusis; the third, by way of invoking the blessings of Ceres on the field of corn specially set apart for the worship of Athena.

Arquebus.A hand-gun, larger than a musket. The man using it was called anarquebusier.

ArraorArrha, R. A deposit, or earnest-money to a contract.

Arras.Tapestry. Textile hangings for walls; first made at Arras in the 14th century. It was originally called Opus Saracenicum.

Arrhæ Sponsalitiæ, called alsoArrabo, was the name of the betrothal money paid to the parents of a bride; a practice of the Hebrews, continued by Christians.

Arrhephoria, Gr. (Ἀρρηφόρια). A festival held at Athens in the month of June orScirophorium. The maidens who took part in it were calledἑροηφόροιorἑροηφόροι. Four little girls and a priestess carried some sacred vessels to a grotto.

Arricciate, Ital. One of the coats of mortar laid on to a wall to receive fresco-painting.

Arrondie, Her. Curved, round.

Arrows, in Christian art, are the emblems of pestilence, death, and destruction.

Arsenicon, Greek fororpiment(q.v.).

Artemisia, Gr. A general term to denote all the festivals ofDiana Artemis. The most celebrated were those held at Ephesus, Delphi, and Syracuse.

Articulation.The anatomical study of the juncture of the bones.

Artolaganus, R. (ἀρτο-λάγανον, i. e. bread-cake). A kind of dough-cake made with wine, milk, oil, and pepper. Cicero, in one of his letters, asserts that it was delicious.

Artophorium(bread-bearer), Chr. Another name for the ciborium or costly box prepared to contain the consecrated Host.

Artopta, Gr. and R. (fromἀρτάω, to bake). A mould in which bread and pastry were baked.

Artopticius, R. (sc.parús). A roll or loaf of bread baked in anartopta, many examples of which may be seen in the small museum at Pompeii; owing to their having become hardened, these loaves have retained their shape perfectly when taken from the oven after eighteen centuries.

Fig. 45. Arundel device.

Arundel Device.A chapeauor, andgules, surmounted by a fretor, and an acorn leavedvert. This is only one of the numerous badges of the house of Arundel, which is peculiarly rich in armorial bearings.

Arundel Marbles.A collection of ancient sculptures found in Greece and Asia Minor in the early part of the 17th century and brought to England at the expense of Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel. In 1667 his grandson presented them to the University of Oxford.

Arundo, R. A term with various significations. (1) A reed or cane. (2) An arrow or bow made of cane. (3) A fishing-rod. (4) A cane rod tipped with bird-lime for catching birds. (5) A reed pen for writing. (6) A Pan’s pipe in which the reeds were joined together by wax; whence its namearundo cerata. (SeeCalamus.)

Arx, R. (arceo, to enclose). A citadel or fortress.Arxis almost equivalent toAcropolis(q.v.), since citadels were usually built on elevated sites, thus forming an upper city (ἀκρόπολις).

Fig. 46. Greek Aryballos.

Aryballos.A Greek flask or vase used for oil or wine. It was commonly of a bladder shape with a thin neck. The example engraved (Fig.46) is painted in the Asiatic style. On some of these vases the ornament is engraved.

Arystichos, Gr. and R. (fromἀρύω, to draw water). A vessel for drawing water, especially from theAmphora(q.v.). It was also calledephebos(ἔφηβος), because, at banquets, it was the duty of youths to mix the wine with water before handing it to the guests. This term has as synonymsaruter,arusane,arustisandoinerusis.

Arzica.(1) An artificial pigment of a yellow colour, used for miniature painting. (2) A yellow lake made from the herb “reseda luteola.” (3) A yellow earth for painting, of which the moulds for casting brass are formed; it yields an ochreous pigment of a pale yellow colour, which, when burned, changes to an orange colour.

Arzicon.A contraction ofArsenicon, fororpiment(q.v.).

As, R. The unit of value in the bronze currency of the Romans. Originally theasweighed one pound, whence its nameas liberalis; and as it was composed of a mixture of copper and tin (æs), it was also calledæs grave. At a later period theashad much declined in value; under Augustus it was only worth somewhat less than a penny.

Asaminthos, Gr. (ἀσάμινθος). A large vase of the Homeric epoch, large enough to admit of a person bathing in it. It is supposed that this was thetubof Diogenes.

Asbestus.(SeeAmiantus.)

Ascendant, Her. Issuing upwards, as a flower.

Ascia, Gr. and R. A term applied to instruments of various shapes and employed for different purposes, but all bearing a general resemblance to a carpenter’s adze. The expressionsub ascia dedicavit, which is frequently found engraved on tombs together with the representation of anascia, has given rise to numerous interpretations. It is supposed that this expression signified: This tomb [never before used] has been dedicated to the memory of the person in whose honour it was erected; or possibly the formula implied that the plot upon which the memorial stood had been granted in perpetuity. After all the discussion to which the formula has given rise, these are the two hypotheses most generally accepted. (SeeAcisculus.)

Ascopera, Gr. and R. (ἀσκὸς, leathern bag or wine-skin;πήρα, a pouch). A large bag made of undressed leather, carried as knapsack by foot-travellers, and thus distinguished from theHippopera(q.v.).

Ascolia,Ascolias, Gr. and R. (fromἀσκὸς, a wine-skin). An Athenian game which consisted in leaping upon a wine-skin, filled with wine and greased over with oil, during the festivals in honour of Dionysus.

Ashlar,Achelor, &c.; alsoAstlerorEstlar, O. E. Hewn stone for the facings of walls. “Clene hewen Ashler.”

Asilla, R. A yoke, like a milkman’s, or the Malaypicol, for carrying burdens; is a common object in Egyptian and all other ancient representations of domestic appliances.

Asinarii.A term of reproach inherited by the early Christians from the Jews, who were accused of worshipping an ass.

Askos, Gr. and R. (ἀσκός). A vessel, originally shaped like a leather bottle (uter) for holding water or wine. It was furnished with a handle at the top, and had sometimes two mouths, one of which served to fill, the other to empty it. Later on, theaskosassumed the form of an earthenware pitcher.

Asor, Heb. A musical instrument of ten strings played with the plectrum.

Asp.In Egyptian art the emblem of royalty; in Christian art, under the feet of saints, of conquered malice.

Aspectant, Her. Looking at one another.

Asperges,Aspergillum, Chr. The rod for sprinkling holy water.

Aspersed, Her. Scattered over,—the same as Semée.

Aspersorium, Chr. The stoup, or holy water basin.

Asphaltum.A brown carbonaceous pigment used in painting. It is found in various parts of the world, more particularly in Egypt, China, Naples, and Trinidad. The best is the Egyptian. (SeeBitumen,Mummy.)

Aspic.(SeeOil of Spike.)

Ass, Chr. An emblem of patience and sobriety; but also of idleness and obstinacy; sometimes of the Jewish nation.

Ass, Festival of the.A grotesque Christian festival of the Middle Ages, connected with the prominence of the ass in religious history.

Asser, R. (1) A beam, pole, or joist. (2) The rafters of a wooden roof. (3)Asser falcatuswas a kind of ram which was launched, with the aid of machinery, by the garrison of a fortified town, against the enemy’s siege works.

Assett, O. E. A salver.

Assommoir, Fr. A sort of gallery built over a door or passage of a fortified place, from which stones, lead, and other heavy objects could be hurled down tooverwhelm(assommer) the besiegers. Hence the name.

Asterisk, Chr. Sometimes calledStellula. A kind of crossed framework made of gold or silver, consisting of two arched bands which are sometimes surmounted, at the point of intersection, by a cross. The asterisk is placed upon the patera for the purpose of keeping up the cloth which covers the consecrated wafers of the host.

Astler.(SeeAshlar.)

Astragal(ἀστράγαλος, knuckle-bone). A small semicircular moulding, so called from its resemblance to a row of knuckle-bones placed side by side. As it is decorated with beads, or berries of laurel or olive, separated by discs, it is now commonly known as achaplet. Astragals are placed at the top of a column, beneath the capital, and divide the architrave into two or three parts. They are also used to decorate any kind of base. (SeeTorus.)

Astragalus, R. The ancient game of knuckle-bones; a common subject in classical sculpture, called alsoTali.

Astreated, Arch. Star-shaped ornaments, used in Norman mouldings.

Asylum, Gr. and R. (ἄ-συλον, safe from violence). A place of refuge, to which was attached the privilege of inviolability calledasulia. This privilege belonged to certain temples, woods, or other sacred enclosures. There were a considerable number of such retreats in Greece and the Greek colonies.

At Gaze, Her. Said of animals of the chase “standing still and looking about them.”

Atach-gah, Pers. The fire-altar of the ancient Persians; mentioned in the writings of Pausanias and Strabo.

Atellanæ(sc.fabulæ), R. A farce, so called from its having originated inAtella, a city of the Osci, in Campania. Hence the name of Oscan games (ludi Osci).Atellanæwere played by youths of good family, on the conclusion of a tragedy. They were introduced into Rome in the fourth centuryB.C.These farces were distinguished by their refinement, and freedom from low buffoonery.

Athenæum.A university for literary and scientific studies at Rome, on the Capitoline Hill.

Athyr, Egyp. One of the months of the ancient Egyptians. It was the third of the four months called the months of inundation.

Fig. 47. One of the Atlantes of the Theatre of Bacchus at Athens.

Atlantes, Gr. and R. (fromτλῆναι). Human figures so called, in allusion to the story of the Titan Atlas, which were employed instead of columns to support entablatures (Fig.47). The Latin equivalent for the term isTelamones. Similarfemalefigures wereCaryatides.

Fig. 48. Atlas, a device used by Philip II. of Spain.

Atlas.One of the several devices adopted by Philip II. of Spain was a figure of Hercules bearing on his shoulders and kneeling beneath, the weight of the world; a feat recorded to have been performed by him in order to give relief to Atlas from his customary burden. The motto “Ut quiescat Atlas,” is written on a ribbon.

Atramentale,Atramentarium, Gr. and R. (atramentum, q.v.). An inkstand, of any shape or material whatsoever. Inkstands were made of terra-cotta, bronze, and silver. There is a Pompeian painting in which adoubleinkstand is represented, one side of which contains black ink, the other an ink of some different colour. There were also portable inkstands calledtheca. (SeeTheca.)

Atramentum, Gr. and R. (ater, black). A general term to denote any kind of black liquid; such wereatramentum scriptorum,atramentum librarium, or simplyatramentum—all terms for writing ink;atramentum sutorum, the black used by shoemakers for dyeing their leather, another name for which waschalcamentum(q.v.); andatramentum tectorium, a kind of ink used for writing inscriptions with a brush. In ancient times, all descriptions of ink were made with soot and gum, forming a kind of Indian ink which was diluted with water. Vitruvius (Book VII.) thus describes the process by whichatramentumwas obtained: “Soot is first procured by burning rosin in a vaulted chamber, and the black (atramentum) thus obtained is then mixed with gum.”

Atriolum, R. (dimin. ofAtrium). (1) A small atrium. It might be either a smaller atrium adjoining the principal one in a house, or the atrium of a dwelling of inferior size. (2) A small antechamber forming the entrance of a tomb.

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