An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology

This reference work brings together more than 700 detailed engravings and concise definitions for the specialist vocabulary of art, architecture, and archaeology. Drawing on the expertise of leading scholars, it updates an earlier French dictionary and expands it with new entries from a wide range of fields, from medieval armor to Chinese porcelain. The layout pairs each term with a clear illustration, making it easy to visualise even the most obscure objects.

Readers will find sections on architecture, Christian antiquities, costume, heraldry, pottery, needlework, musical instruments, and many other disciplines, each grounded in authoritative sources. An appended list of classified catalogues from the South Kensington Museum points users toward further reading and verification. Whether you are a student, museum professional, or curious hobbyist, the book offers a handy, well‑organized guide to the language of visual culture.