National Galleries of Scotland

Altarpiece

An artwork behind a church altar featuring religious scenes or imagery which was usually the focus for the celebration of the Mass.

Devotional art

Religious images used privately as a focus of prayer or an aid to meditation.

Dominican Order

A Roman Catholic religious order founded by St. Dominic in the early 13th century, particularly focused on missionary work and scholarship. It is also known as the Order of Preachers.

Patronage

The support given to artists by an individual or organisation, usually through buying or funding their work.

Workshop

Specifically used for a group of artists or craftsmen working collaboratively, usually under the direction of a master, up to the mid-17th century. The phrase 'Workshop of…' is used to describe the origin of an artwork when the master artist had no hand in its creation.