National Galleries of Scotland

Antiquity

A general term for the civilisations of Ancient Greece and Rome. Also used as a general term to describe something very old.

Metaphysical Painting

Or Pittura Metafisica. An Italian style of painting of the early 20th century, exemplified by Carlo Carrà and Giorgio de Chirico, who produced eerie townscapes populated by unexpected objects. This combination of strange elements was particularly influential on the Surrealist movement.

Motif

A distinctive element in a work of art or design.

Mythological

Refers to figures and events from myths which are the ancient stories that usually explain the origins of historical or natural phenomena.

Surrealism

A literary and artistic movement founded by the poet André Breton in 1924. Many of the associated artists, such as Max Ernst and Jean Arp, had previously been involved with Dadaism. The movement sought to challenge conventions through the exploration of the subconscious mind, invoking the power of dreams and elements of chance. Cultural hierarchies were challenged by the combination of diverse elements in collages and sculptural assemblages. The movement is also notable for the collaborations between artists and writers evident in the Surrealists' many publications.