The Alphabet of Art & Antiques – V is for …

June 1, 2021

Vambrace

Vambraces or forearm guards are tubular defenses for the forearm, worn as part of a suit of plate armor. They were often connected to gauntlets. Vambraces may be worn with or without separate couters (elbow pieces) in a full suit of medieval armor. The term originated in the early 14th century. 

A dark, elongated, rounded shield with embossed ridges and gold decorative patterns along the top and bottom. Reminiscent of fine antiques, this shield features three metal fastening brackets on the right edge. Its padded, ridged texture and intricate floral details evoke masterful art, displayed strikingly against a black background.

From Peter Finer: Vambrace, or Dastana, decorated in gold koftgari with a series of Qur’anic inscriptions. India, circa 1700.

Vargueño

A vargueño or bargueño is  a form of portable writing desk originating in renaissance Spain. It is made up of two chests, the bottom one usually having drawers (called a taquillón) and the top one having a hinged desk surface which also serves as a side-mounted lid. The interior of the desk is equipped with small drawers, pigeonholes, etc., for storing papers and supplies. The vargueño has also been used for sewing or as a jewel chest.

Ornate wooden table with carved drawers holds a potted plant, framed photo, lamp, and silver box—echoing the charm of fine antiques. A zebra-patterned stool sits in front. Above, a golden-framed painting of a coastal landscape with trees, rocks, and water adds an artful touch to the cream wall.

18th century Spanish vargueno. Interior design by Suzanne Tucker/Tucker & Marks, photo by Matthew Millman.

Veilleuse 

Veilleuse is a French term meaning night-light. It describes a device to keep broth or drinks warm on the bedside table: a small oil lamp or candle placed in cylinder was used to heat a covered cup or small teapot on top. Veilleuses were used in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Tall, ornate white ceramic vase with two curving handles, floral painted designs in green, pink, and red, ribbed texture, and a matching lid topped by a decorative handle. The base and rim feature dark red accents. This striking piece of art is set against a black background, evoking the elegance found in fine antiques.

Maiolica veilleuse, probably Monte Milone, last quarter 18th century. Image via Sotheby’s.

Vermeil

Vermeil, also known as silver-gilt or gilded/gilt silver, is silver which has been gilded with gold.

Ornate gold-colored cup with lid, intricate engraved floral patterns, three spherical feet, and raised decorative motifs, including a relief of a face on the side. This exquisite piece of art reflects the elegance often found in antiques. The lid has a round knob handle and detailed engraved embellishments.

Goblet covered in vermeil and silver by Johann Jebenz, Augsburg, circa 1700. Image via Sotheby’s.

Vermicule

Vermicule is a form of decoration developed for Sèvres porcelain, patterned with a mass of little worm like lines.

Three ornate, blue and gold porcelain antiques: two matching vases with painted romantic pastoral scenes and a central jardinière, also with a detailed painted outdoor scene, all featuring elaborate gold patterns and curved handles on a white background—a truly refined display of decorative art.

Sèvres porcelain bleu nouveau and gilt vermicule three-piece garniture, circa 176—1762. Image via Christie’s.

Verre églomisé

Verre églomisé is a French term referring to the process of applying both a design and gilding onto the rear face of glass to produce a mirror finish. Gold or silver foil was applied to the glass back and engraved with a needle before placing black or another contracting color behind the foil. This was then enclosed with a second layer of glass or a coating of varnish. The name is derived from the 18th-century French decorator and art-dealer Jean-Baptiste Glomy (1711–1786), who was responsible for its revival.

A gold ornate mirror with a decorative etched panel showing a landscape of trees, plants, and classical structures in gold tones. Reminiscent of fine antiques, the frame features floral detailing, columns, and a pink wall as the background. The top of the mirror has a decorative finial and chain, making this exquisite piece perfect for art lovers seeking timeless elegance.

From Clinton Howell: Neoclassical style mirror with verre églomisé panel, 18th century.

Vesta case

A vesta case is a small case or box for carrying vestas, which were wax or wood matches that pre-dated the safety match. They were usually pocket-sized and produced from silver and other metals and more rarely in porcelain or papier-mâché.

An ornate, silver rectangular case with floral and fleur-de-lis engravings, this exquisite antique piece embodies timeless art. The center features a shield with a decorative script letter from the alphabet, possibly L. The hinged lid has a small clasp on the side. The background is light and plain.

Late 19th century French silver vesta case in pillow form. Image courtesy of Aalders Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.

Vitruvian scroll 

The Vitruvian scroll is a scroll pattern used in architectural moldings and borders in other media. It is also known as the Vitruvian wave, wave scroll, or running dog pattern. The pattern resembles waves in water or a series of parchment scrolls viewed on end.

Carved stone frieze with a repeating wave pattern and leaf motifs, featuring curved lines and floral details on a weathered, light-gray surface, part of a classical architectural structure; this piece of art evokes the elegance found in timeless antiques.

Volute 

A volute is a spiral, scroll-like ornament that forms the basis of the Ionic order, found in the capital of the Ionic column.

Close-up of an Ionic column capital made of white stone, featuring two large spiral volutes, a row of egg-and-dart ornamentation, and vertical fluting on the shaft below. The details are intricate and symmetrical, highlighting classical Greek architectural style—an enduring work of art that showcases the refined beauty found in antiques from this historic era.

By Vera Vandenbosch