Sculpture

Definition

The term "sculpture" refers to the art of creating three-dimensional works by carving, modeling, casting, or assembling materials such as stone, metal, clay, or wood. It can also refer to the finished artistic piece.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈskʌlp.tʃɚ/
• Respelling: SKULP-chur

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈskʌlp.tʃə/
• Respelling: SKULP-chuh

Etymology

The word "sculpture" originates from the Latin "sculptura," meaning "to carve," derived from "sculpere," meaning "to cut or carve." It entered the English language in the late 14th century through Old French.

Derivatives

• Sculptor (noun)
• Sculptural (adjective)
• Sculptured (adjective)
• Sculpting (noun/verb)
• Sculpturesque (adjective)

Synonyms

• Statue
• Carving
• Model

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "sculpture" is widely used in the field of fine arts to describe both the process of creating three-dimensional art and the finished work. For example, "The artist is renowned for her bronze sculptures," or "He is learning to sculpture in marble."

Related Terms

• Art: Creative works that express imagination and skill.
• Sculptor: A person who creates sculptures.
• Relief: A type of sculpture where the figures project from a flat background.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The art of creating three-dimensional forms by carving, modeling, or assembling materials:
  • Example: "He studied sculpture at the academy of fine arts."
• A three-dimensional work of art created by this process:
  • Example: "The museum has a collection of ancient Greek sculptures."

Verb

• To create a three-dimensional work of art by carving or shaping materials:
  • Example: "She sculptured a beautiful figure out of clay."