Glossary of Art Terms
Essential vocabulary every art collector needs to know
Why Art Terminology Matters
Understanding art terminology helps you communicate confidently with galleries, artists, and other collectors. It also helps you better appreciate and evaluate the art you're considering for your collection.
This glossary covers the most important terms you'll encounter as a collector, organized by category for easy reference.
Quick Navigation
Art Types & Media
Market Terms
Art History
Art Types & Media
Painting & Drawing
Oil Painting
Paint made with oil as the binder, known for its rich colors and slow drying time.
Example: "This oil on canvas shows the artist's mastery of light and shadow."
Acrylic
Fast-drying paint made with acrylic polymer emulsion.
Example: "The acrylic painting has vibrant, saturated colors."
Watercolor
Paint that uses water-soluble pigments, creating transparent washes.
Example: "The watercolor has a delicate, ethereal quality."
Mixed Media
Artwork that combines multiple materials and techniques.
Example: "This mixed media piece combines collage, paint, and found objects."
Sculpture
Bronze
Metal alloy used for casting sculptures, known for durability and detail.
Example: "This bronze sculpture is an edition of 8."
Marble
Natural stone used for carving, prized for its beauty and workability.
Example: "The marble sculpture shows the artist's skill in stone carving."
Installation
Three-dimensional artwork designed for a specific space.
Example: "The installation transforms the gallery space."
Assemblage
Sculpture made by combining found objects and materials.
Example: "This assemblage uses recycled materials."
Prints & Multiples
Limited Edition
Print series with a predetermined number of copies, numbered and signed.
Example: "This is number 5 of 50 in the limited edition."
Artist's Proof (A/P)
Additional prints beyond the edition, often kept by the artist.
Example: "This A/P is one of 10 artist's proofs."
Lithograph
Print made by drawing on a stone or metal plate with greasy materials.
Example: "The lithograph shows fine detail and rich tones."
Serigraph
Screen printing process using stencils and mesh screens.
Example: "This serigraph has bold, flat colors."
Photography
Vintage Print
Print made close to the time the photograph was taken.
Example: "This vintage print dates from the 1950s."
Gelatin Silver Print
Traditional black and white photographic printing process.
Example: "The gelatin silver print has rich blacks and subtle grays."
C-print
Color photographic print made from color negative film.
Example: "This C-print shows vibrant, saturated colors."
Digital Print
Print made from digital files using inkjet or other digital processes.
Example: "The digital print has excellent color accuracy."
Market Terms
Auction Terms
Reserve Price
Minimum price the seller will accept for an artwork.
Example: "The lot has a reserve price of $10,000."
Hammer Price
Final bid price before buyer's premium is added.
Example: "The hammer price was $50,000."
Buyer's Premium
Additional fee charged by the auction house to the buyer.
Example: "With 20% buyer's premium, the total is $60,000."
Estimate
Expected price range for an artwork at auction.
Example: "The estimate is $20,000-30,000."
Pricing & Value
Fair Market Value
Price that would be agreed upon between willing buyer and seller.
Example: "The fair market value is determined by recent sales."
Provenance
History of ownership of an artwork.
Example: "The provenance shows it was owned by a famous collector."
Condition Report
Detailed assessment of an artwork's physical state.
Example: "The condition report notes minor surface abrasions."
Conservation
Professional restoration and preservation of artworks.
Example: "The painting underwent conservation in 2020."
Art Movements & Periods
Major Art Movements
Impressionism (1870s-1880s)
Characterized by visible brushstrokes, open composition, and emphasis on light.
Artists: Monet, Renoir, Degas
Abstract Expressionism (1940s-1950s)
Non-representational art emphasizing spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation.
Artists: Pollock, Rothko, de Kooning
Pop Art (1950s-1960s)
Art that draws inspiration from commercial culture and mass media.
Artists: Warhol, Lichtenstein, Hockney
Minimalism (1960s-1970s)
Art characterized by simplicity and the use of minimal elements.
Artists: Judd, Andre, Flavin
Techniques & Styles
Chiaroscuro
Use of strong contrasts between light and dark in art.
Example: "The painting uses dramatic chiaroscuro."
Impasto
Technique of applying paint thickly to create texture.
Example: "The impasto technique adds dimension to the surface."
Grisaille
Painting executed entirely in shades of gray.
Example: "The grisaille underpainting shows the composition."
Trompe l'oeil
Technique that creates optical illusions of three-dimensional objects.
Example: "The trompe l'oeil makes the wall appear to open."
Additional Essential Terms
Exhibition Terms
- Solo Show: Exhibition featuring one artist
- Group Show: Exhibition with multiple artists
- Retrospective: Comprehensive survey of an artist's career
- Biennial: Exhibition held every two years
- Curator: Person who organizes exhibitions
Gallery Terms
- Primary Market: First sale of artwork by artist/gallery
- Secondary Market: Resale of artwork by collectors
- Commission: Gallery's percentage of sale price
- Consignment: Artwork placed with gallery for sale
- Representation: Gallery's exclusive right to sell artist's work
Keep Learning
This glossary covers the basics, but art terminology is vast and ever-evolving. Continue learning through gallery visits, art fairs, and conversations with other collectors.