virtu
/və:'tu:/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A love of or taste for fine objects of art: A deep appreciation, knowledge, or enthusiasm for artistic works, especially those of high quality or antiquity.
- Artistic quality: The quality of being artistic, demonstrating great skill or aesthetic merit.
- Objects of art collectively (especially fine antiques): A collection of art objects, curios, or antiquities valued for their beauty, rarity, or craftsmanship.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- His apartment was filled with virtu, from Renaissance sculptures to Ming vases.
- She spoke about the painting with great virtu, highlighting its technique and historical context.
- The museum's new wing is dedicated to 18th-century virtu.
Advanced Usage
- "Cabinet of virtu": A historical term for a room or collection (a "cabinet of curiosities") displaying art objects, natural specimens, and antiquities, reflecting the owner's taste and learning.
- The nobleman's cabinet of virtu was famous among scholars and artists.
Variants and Related Words
- Virtuoso (n): A person highly skilled in a particular art, especially music. While related through the root (from Italian , meaning "skill" or "excellence"), it is a distinct word.
- The violinist was a celebrated virtuoso.
Synonyms
- Connoisseurship: Expert knowledge and appreciation in a particular field, especially the arts.
- Artistry: Artistic skill or ability.
- Curio: A rare, unusual, or intriguing object, often part of a collection.
Notes on Meaning
The word virtu encompasses three closely related concepts: the passion for art, the quality of art itself, and the physical collection of art objects. It is a somewhat specialized term, often found in contexts discussing art history, collecting, and aesthetics. It should not be confused with the more common word "virtue."
Noun
- objet d'art collectively (especially fine antiques)
- artistic quality
- love of or taste for fine objects of art