craquelure: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “craquelure” mean?
The fine pattern of cracks that appears on the surface of old paintings or other artworks, particularly due to ageing of the varnish or paint layers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The fine pattern of cracks that appears on the surface of old paintings or other artworks, particularly due to ageing of the varnish or paint layers.
Used more broadly to refer to a pattern of fine cracks on any surface, such as ceramics, glaze, or even skin. In art conservation, it is a key indicator of a painting's age and condition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or pronunciation differences. Usage is identical in both regional contexts.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both UK and US art circles.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language, but standard and equally used in specialist art contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “craquelure” in a Sentence
The [ARTWORK] shows/has/exhibits (a) [DESCRIPTOR] craquelure.Craquelure [VERB] on the surface of the [ARTWORK].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “craquelure” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The painting had begun to craquelure noticeably around the edges.
- Over centuries, the varnish will craquelure.
American English
- The old portrait is starting to craquelure in the upper left corner.
- If stored improperly, the finish may craquelure prematurely.
adverb
British English
- None. Not a standard adverbial form.
American English
- None. Not a standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The craquelured surface was examined under magnification. (Rare but possible)
American English
- The appraiser noted the painting's heavily craquelured glaze. (Rare but possible)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in art history, conservation, and material culture studies.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only be used by enthusiasts or professionals.
Technical
The primary domain; used precisely in art conservation, painting analysis, and ceramics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “craquelure”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “craquelure”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “craquelure”
- Misspelling as 'craquelour' or 'crackleure'.
- Using it to describe large, damaging cracks (it implies a fine, often desirable network).
- Pronouncing the final 'e' (it is silent).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. In antique paintings, it is a normal, expected result of ageing and is often a sign of authenticity. However, severe or actively expanding craquelure can indicate conservation problems.
Yes, forgers sometimes artificially induce craquelure to make a new painting look old. Experts use microscopic analysis to distinguish natural ageing patterns from artificial ones.
No, while most commonly discussed with oil paintings, it can also appear on acrylics, varnished surfaces, glazed ceramics, and even old photographs.
Generally, no. Conservators typically stabilize the artwork to prevent further cracking but will not 'repair' the craquelure itself, as it is part of the object's history and patina.
The fine pattern of cracks that appears on the surface of old paintings or other artworks, particularly due to ageing of the varnish or paint layers.
Craquelure is usually formal, technical in register.
Craquelure: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkræk.ə.lʊə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkræk.ə.lʊr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'crack' embedded in the word 'craquelure' – it's a fancy French-derived word for a 'crackle' pattern.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGE IS A RECORD (The craquelure is the physical record of the artwork's journey through time).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'craquelure' primarily used?