vesica piscis

American  

[vuh-sahy-kuh pahy-sis, pis-is, vuh-see-kuh pis-kis, ves-i-kuh] / vəˈsaɪ kə ˈpaɪ sɪs, ˈpɪs ɪs, vəˈsi kə ˈpɪs kɪs, ˈvɛs ɪ kə /

noun

Fine Arts.

1. an elliptical figure in pointed form, usually one made by the intersection of two arcs and used, especially in early Christian art, as an emblem of Christ.

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Etymology

Origin of vesica piscis

First recorded in 1800–10, vesica piscis is from New Latin vēsīca piscis literally, “bladder of a fish”

Example Sentences

Mandorla, man-dor′la, n. an oval panel, or a work of art filling such: the vesica piscis.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

This figure, also known as the vesica piscis, is common in ecclesiastical seals and as a glory or aureole in paintings of sculpture, surrounding figures of the Trinity, saints, &c.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 4 "Finland" to "Fleury, Andre" by Various

Within the vesica piscis, artists usually represent the virgin herself, with or without the child; in the figure before us the child takes her place.

From Ancient Pagan and Modern Christian Symbolism With an Essay on Baal Worship, On The Assyrian Sacred "Grove," And Other by Inman, Thomas

V., and the pointed oval, or vesica piscis, which is traced by them, may be called the Limit of ornamentation.

From The Stones of Venice, Volume I (of 3) by Ruskin, John

The Transfiguration, which corresponds to this subject on the back of the robe, is the traditional composition, only varied by the unusual shape of the vesica piscis which encloses Our Saviour.

From Needlework As Art by Alford, Marianne Margaret Compton Cust, Viscountess