Simply Art Glossary: Letter M
Maki-e- In Japanese art, the effect achieved by sprinkling gold or silver powder on successive layers of lacquer before each layer dries. Mandala- An image of the cosmos represented by an arrangement of circles or concentric geometric shapes containing diagrams or images. Used for meditation and contemplation by Buddhists. Mandoria- Light encircling or emanating from the entire figure of a sacred person. Manifesto- A written declaration of an individual's or groups ideas, purposes, and intentions. The Futurist art manifesto was written by a group of artists including, Gino Severini. Matte- Term describing a smooth surface that is without shine or luster. Mediums- In general the material from which any given object is made. In painting, the liquid substance in which pigments are suspended. Memento mori- From Latin for "remember that you must die"". An object, such as a skull or extinguished candle, typically found in a vanitas image, symbolizing the transience of life. "The Repentant Magdalene" by Georges de la Tour is a great example with a candle, a book and a skull shown with the woman. Memory image- An image that relies on the generic shapes and relationships that readily spring to mind at the mention of an object. Metope- The carved or painted rectangular panel between the triglyphs of a Doric frieze Middle ground- Within the depicted space of an artwork, the area that takes up the middle distance of the image. Mithuna- The amorous male and female couples in Buddhist sculpture, usually found at the entrance to a sacred building. The mithuna symbolize the harmony and fertility of life. Mobile- A sculpture made with parts suspended in such a way that they move in a current of air. Modeling- In painting, the process of creating the illusion of three dimensionality on a two dimensional surface by use of light and shade. In sculpture, the process of molding a three dimensional form out of a malleable substance. Module- A segment or portion of a repeated design. Also a building block. Molding- A shaped or sculptured strip with varying contours and patterns. Used as decoration on architecture, furniture, frames, and other objects. Monoprint- A single print pulled from a hard surface, such as a blank plate or stone, that has been prepared with a painted design. Each print is an individual artwork, as the original design is a transient one, largely lost in the printing process. Also called monotype. Mosaic- Images formed by small colored stone or glass pieces (tesserae) affixed to a hard, stable surface. Motif- Any recurring element of a design or composition. Also: a recurring theme or subject n artwork. Michael Arnold Art created a Michael Stipe motif with "Stipe", "Psychedelic Stipe", and "Stipe Three". Movable type printing- A method of printing text in which the individual letters cast on small pieces of metal, are assembled into words on a mechanical press. When each edition was complete, the type could be reused for the next project. Mudra- A symbolic hand gesture in Buddhist art that denotes certain behaviors, actions, or feelings. Mural- wall like. A large painting or decoration, done either directly on a wall or separately and affixed to it. |
