“I don’t know much about art, but I know what I like.”

Have you ever gone to an art gallery or museum exhibit and listened to the people around you discussing various aspects of the works, without knowing what they’re referring to? The fields of art and architecture have very specific vocabularies, and it’s helpful to know some of the terminology, especially since these words often appear in the vocabulary section of the SAT and GRE. Here are seven words you’ll find useful:

chiaroscuro (noun)
Definition: An Italian word referring to how light (chiare) and shadow (scure), and the contrast between them, are shown in paintings or drawings.
Example: The painters Caravaggio and Rubens used chiaroscuro to emphasize key figures in their religious works, portraying holy men and women as lit by a divine light, while the devils lurk in the shadows.

stucco (noun)
Definition: Plaster or cement coating used on walls, or sometimes formed into molded ornaments or raised reliefs.
Example: The stucco houses of the Mediterranean are a distinctive feature of that area, painted white and topped with colorful tile roofs.

rococo (noun or adjective)
Definition: A European decorative style from the 18th century using an abundance of ornaments, scrollwork, and other motifs, often covered in gold paint.
Example: The new Princess of Wales arrived for the wedding in the rococo horse-drawn carriage that had been used by the monarchy for generations.

caryatid (noun)
Definition: A supporting pillar or column in the form of a woman.
Example: Each caryatid on that temple has a different face, and the guide told us that they were probably carved to represent members of prominent families in Rome during that era.

triptych (noun)
Definition: A painting or carving that has been done on three panels, which are often connected with hinges.
Example: The altar at this Greek Orthodox church displays a 13th-century triptych depicting the birth, crucifixion, and ascent to heaven of Jesus.

finial (noun)
Definition: An ornament or carved object topping a post.
Example: The fences at the zoo are decorated with finials carved in the shape of the various animals there.

mullion (noun)
Definition: A vertical bar dividing the panes of a window.
Example: Anna painted the frames and mullions of each window a bright pink, which contrasted oddly with the yellow-green color of the walls surrounding them.

One of the best ways to learn vocabulary related to art and architecture is to visit your local museums, or join in a guided tour of your city’s landmark buildings. The museum docents and tour guides are generally knowledgeable and should be able to answer your questions and define unfamiliar words. You can also check your library for magazines such as ARTnews, which has been providing information about art and artists for over a hundred years, or The Architectural Review, also over a century old. In addition, many community colleges have introductory classes in art or architecture that you may be able to attend for free. Get creative in your vocabulary study!