ENCAUSTIC Meaning and
Definition
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Encaustic is a term derived from the Greek word "enkaustikos," meaning "to burn in," and it refers to a unique artistic technique that involves using heated wax as a medium for creating artwork. It has also come to describe the artwork itself. Encaustic painting involves melting beeswax, typically mixed with a resin such as damar, and pigment powders to create a fluid medium. This molten mixture is then applied to a prepared surface, such as wood or canvas, using brushes, palette knives, or other tools.
The word "encaustic" can also be used more broadly to encompass other forms of art that utilize wax as the primary medium, such as encaustic sculpture. Encaustic artwork is known for its luminosity and depth of color, as well as its ability to create interesting textured surfaces. The wax can be manipulated to create various effects, including layering, scraping, and incising, allowing artists to experiment and create unique visual expressions.
Encaustic has a rich history, dating back to ancient Greece and Egypt, where it was used to create portraits, religious paintings, and even funeral portraits. Throughout the centuries, encaustic techniques have evolved and adapted, making a resurgence in popularity in contemporary art.
In summary, encaustic refers to both the technique and the artwork created using heated wax as a medium. It is a versatile and expressive form of art that produces visually captivating results through the manipulation of molten wax and pigment.
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• Method of painting with a wax medium by means of heat.
• Pert. to the art of painting on earthenware in which the colours are burnt in; encaustic tiles, ornamental tiles for floorings, extensively used in the middle ages, chiefly for churches, now revived in modern times with great success.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ENCAUSTIC
- wncaustic
- sncaustic
- dncaustic
- rncaustic
- 4ncaustic
- 3ncaustic
- ebcaustic
- emcaustic
- ejcaustic
- ehcaustic
- enxaustic
- envaustic
- enfaustic
- endaustic
- enczustic
- encsustic
- encwustic
- encqustic
- encaystic
- encaustik
- Encrentic
- encaustick
- Extraustic
Etymology of ENCAUSTIC
The word "encaustic" has its etymology in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word "enkaustikos", which means "burned in". This term refers to the ancient technique of painting where pigments are mixed with hot wax and applied to a surface before being "burned in" or fused using heat. The term "enkaustikos" itself is formed from the combination of the Greek words "en" (meaning "in" or "on") and "kaiein" (meaning "to burn"). Over time, the term "enkaustikos" evolved into the English word "encaustic", which is now used to describe both the ancient painting technique and the contemporary art form that utilizes wax as a medium.
Similar spelling words for ENCAUSTIC
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