Beaux-Arts

[ boh-zahr; French boh-zar ]

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to a style of architecture, popularly associated with the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, that prevailed in France in the late 19th century and that was adopted in the U.S. and elsewhere c1900, characterized by the free and eclectic use and adaptation of French architectural features of the 16th through 18th centuries combined so as to give a massive, elaborate, and often ostentatious effect, and also by the use of symmetrical plans preferably allowing vast amounts of interior space.
2. resembling the architecture, architectural precepts, or teaching methods of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris: often used in a pejorative sense to designate excessive formalism disregarding considerations of structural truth, advanced aesthetic theory, rational planning, or economy.

plural noun

1. (lowercase) the fine arts, as painting or music.

beaux-arts

/ bəʊˈzɑː /

plural noun

1. See fine art
   another word for fine art
2. modifier relating to the classical decorative style, esp that of the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris

   beaux-arts influences

Word History and Origins

Origin of Beaux-Arts¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Word History and Origins

Origin of Beaux-Arts¹

C19: French, literally: fine arts

Example Sentences

There could be no better place to honor the art of dressmaking than the most prestigious art school: the Beaux Arts de Paris.

From The Daily Beast

Outside, on the roof, the clock is flanked by more Beaux Arts touches: statues of Hercules, Mercury, and Minerva.

From The Daily Beast

Drawing had been his first devotion, but he shifts to photography when he enters the Beaux-Arts de Paris.

From The Daily Beast

But the French critic Louis de Fourcaud, writing in the Gazette des Beaux-Arts, called it a masterpiece of characterization.

From The Daily Beast

Two weeks ago, journalists were arrested trying to capture shots of the Beaux Arts mansion where the wedding will take place.

From The Daily Beast

My brother, who was an architect, had highly distinguished himself at the cole des Beaux Arts under the teaching of Huyot.

From Project Gutenberg

We glued our noses to the window-glass of the art print shops around the Ecole des Beaux-Arts.

From Project Gutenberg

Extraordinary bays and alcoves, never before dreamed of by the Ecole des Beaux Arts gave light and shadow to long walls.

From Project Gutenberg

When a footman at the Caf des Beaux Arts wrenched the door open and let the cool air in, it was welcome.

From Project Gutenberg

The Palais des Beaux Arts, the home of the cole, was begun in 1820 and finished in 1863.

From Project Gutenberg