GrisailleA grisaille is a painting in black and white, with a mixture of these to produce a picture in tints of greyMonochromeMonochrome means 'one colour'. The term comes from the Greek word 'monochromos', meaning 'of one colour'. The word is also used for works of art (paintings) in which, although more than one colour is used, the number is nevertheless limited.. In the Middle Ages grisailles were often painted on the outer panels of altarpieces. This was to suggest stone sculpture. Around 1700 grisailles became the height of fashion. They were a favourite for the lobbies of stately houses along Amsterdam's canals. Painters like Gerard Lairesse and Jacob de Wit popularised the style. Grisailles were also known as 'witjes', after De Wit himself. Later in the eighteenth century, the vogue for grisailles declined. |
