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Glite Dictionary
craquelure

craquelure

1 9.9
A pattern of fine cracks on a painting or vase surface caused by age
  • noun
  • /ˈkrækwəˌlʊr/
  • Specialized
translation icon : craquelado
  • The artist purposely applied a technique to create a beautiful craquelure effect on the surface.

Examples

  • Having painted and baked his picture, he administered an imitation craquelure by "breaking" the canvas over his knee.

    Academic text (2011)

  • At some point, certainly before Bazille's sketch, the mother was shifted lower and to the right; her work basket too was apparently much labored over, judging from its craquelure, without its various versions having much chance to dry between times.

    Academic text (1994)

  • The craquelure on the canvas revealed the painting's age and history.

  • Experts often study the craquelure of vintage ceramics to understand their authenticity.

Synonyms

crackle
vscraquelure
1 6.7

A network of fine cracks in the glaze of pottery or porcelain

is the same pattern but also appears on paintings and varnish
crazing
vscraquelure
  • Specialized
1 8.4

A network of very small cracks on the surface of pottery, glass, or painted objects

is similar but also appears on painted and varnished surfaces not only ceramics

Antonyms

smoothness
5 1.9

An even surface without rough parts

How Cracked

craquelure
  • Specialized
1 9.9
crazing
  • Specialized
1 8.4

Surface Forms

craquelure singular
craquelures plural

Etymology

Craquelure comes from French craquer, meaning 'to crack', and is like the English word crack. So craquelure is the pattern of tiny cracks you see on old paintings, varnish, or ceramic glaze, and that is why it often shows age or helps experts check if an artwork is real.