"What is tempera? What is foreshortening? What is fresco? What is a pentimento? This book offers definitions of these and other techniques, processes, and materials used by painters for centuries. Its numerous illustrations--chosen from the masterpieces in the J. Paul Getty Museum and in London's National Gallery and other British institutions--provide a rich and informative history of the medium. Like other volumes in this series, Looking at Paintings presents concise and readable explanations of the technical terms most frequently encountered by museum-goers. It will be invaluable to all those wishing to increase their understanding and enjoyment of the art of painting."--Back cover.