LAY FIGURE Meaning and
Definition
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A "lay figure" is a noun that refers to a lifeless human-shaped model, typically made of wood or wire, used by artists to assist in drawing or painting. Also known as a "mannequin" or "artist's dummy," a lay figure is often adjustable, allowing artists to position it into various poses to study the human form and capture realistic proportions in their artwork.
Traditionally, a lay figure is constructed with movable joints at each intersection to replicate the natural movement of the body. Artists can adjust the arms, legs, torso, and head of the lay figure to portray different poses and gestures, enabling them to accurately depict the human anatomy and experiment with complex positions without relying solely on models. By using a lay figure as a reference, artists are able to study light and shadow, foreshortening, and other technical aspects of their art.
In addition to its practical role in the creation of visual art, the term "lay figure" can also be metaphorically used to describe a person who lacks individuality, authenticity, or genuine character. In this sense, it refers to someone who merely serves as a passive or unimpressive presence, often used as just a figurehead or placeholder rather than possessing any real influence or significance.
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An artist's jointed model figure.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for LAY FIGURE
- kay figure
- pay figure
- oay figure
- lzy figure
- lsy figure
- lwy figure
- lqy figure
- lat figure
- lag figure
- lah figure
- lau figure
- la7 figure
- la6 figure
- lay digure
- lay cigure
- lay vigure
- lay gigure
- lay tigure
- lay rigure
Etymology of LAY FIGURE
The term "lay figure" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "lay" and "figure".
1. "Lay" originates from the Old English word "leagan", meaning "to place or put down". Over time, it developed various related meanings such as "to arrange" or "to set in order".
2. "Figure" comes from the Latin word "figura", which broadly means "shape" or "form". The Latin term derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*dheigh-" meaning "to form" or "to mold".
The combination of these two words, "lay figure", was initially used in the 18th century to refer to a jointed wooden figure used as a model for artists to practice drawing or painting. It functioned as a substitute human figure for the purpose of studying anatomy, poses, or clothing drapes.
Similar spelling words for LAY FIGURE
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