Artistic Qualities Vocabulary

the appearance of being true or real

“The novel achieved remarkable verisimilitude in depicting Victorian London.”

Origin: Latin verisimilitudo, from verus `true` + similis `like`

the treatment of light and shade in art

“Rembrandt was a master of chiaroscuro.”

Origin: Italian `light-dark`, from chiaro `clear, bright` + oscuro `dark`

a surface appearance acquired with age; an aura

“The antique had developed a beautiful patina over centuries.”

Origin: Italian patina `shallow dish`, from Latin patina `dish, pan`

a subtle difference in meaning, expression, or sound

“The actor captured every nuance of the character.”

Origin: French nuance `shade of color`, from nuer `to shade`, from nue `cloud`

intricate and refined delicacy; skillful handling

“She handled the diplomatic situation with finesse.”

Origin: French finesse `delicacy`, from fin `fine`, from Latin finis `end, limit`

great skill in music or another artistic pursuit

“The pianist displayed stunning virtuosity.”

Origin: Italian virtuoso `skilled`, from Latin virtus `virtue, excellence`

flamboyant confidence of style or manner

“He delivered the speech with characteristic panache.”

Origin: French panache `plume of feathers`, from Italian pennacchio, from Latin penna `feather`

self-confidence or assurance in demanding situations

“She handled the interruption with aplomb.”

Origin: French à plomb `perpendicular`, from Latin plumbum `lead (metal)`

graceful and stylish in appearance or manner

“The mathematical proof had an unexpected elegance.”

Origin: French élégance, from Latin elegantia, from elegans `tasteful, refined`

exact correspondence in size and arrangement

“The garden's perfect symmetry reflected classical design principles.”

Origin: Greek symmetria `agreement in dimensions`, from syn- `together` + metron `measure`