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 Project Gutenberg

The living group, moreover, are placed in an archway, delta, or door, which is symbolic of the female, like the vesica piscis, the oval or the circle.

From Project Gutenberg

I may, however, mention some very remarkable sculptures copied; one is a tree, whose trunk is surrounded by a serpent, and whose fruit is shaped like the vesica piscis; in another is seen a youth wholly unclothed, save by a cap and gaiters, who kneels before a similar tree, being threatened before and behind by some fierce animal.

From Project Gutenberg

In modern Christian art this symbol is called vesica piscis, and is sometimes surrounded with rays.

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg