The terminology of the visual arts

The world of visual arts uses a specific vocabulary to which the collector is constantly confronted and must to a large extent be familiar with.

There is a considerable number of internet sites presenting in all languages the terminology of the visual arts, definitions included.  

We chose to select some of these sites among the most representative in the following languages: French, English, Spanish and German. When one of these sites offer linguistic correspondences (translation dictionary or bilingual), we note it.

French

• Almanart
• Glossaire de l'histoire de l'art canadien
• Glossaire VOX
• Glossaire des arts plastiques by CRDP de l'Académie de Grenoble
• Glossaire visuel des altérations sur les œuvres d’art et les objets de musées
• Les acronymes utilisés en arts visuels by Galerie Michel-Ange
• Le grand dictionnaire terminologique (GDT)

English

• Acronyms in visual arts by Galerie Michel-Ange
• Auction & Art Glossary by ArtNet
• Glossary of Art Terms by Zatista
• Glossary of Canadian Art History
• MoMA Glossary of Art Terms
• The A-Z of prints & multiples: A comprehensive guide to the artists, processes, print studios and terminology you need to know de Christies
• The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (available on subscription)
• What Does it Mean? Defining Conservation Terms by "The Conservation Center"

Spanish

• Enciclográfica. Diccionario de Términos de Arte y Diseño
• Glosario Términos de Arte

• Glosario de Terminos de Arte - Museo CJV

German

• Kunst-Glossar
• German Art Vocabulary (English/German)