Tabella is a Latin word that can be translated as "board," "tablet," or "table." In ancient Rome, the term referred to a flat surface, often made of wood or stone, used for various purposes. It commonly denoted a writing tablet, typically made of wax-coated wood, on which one could write using a stylus. These tablets were commonly used for correspondence, notes, or keeping accounts. The wax coating allowed for easy erasing or rewriting the content.
The term tabella also had specific meanings in Roman law. It referred to the list or board on which official announcements, legal decisions, or public notices were posted. These tabellae were displayed in prominent locations for the public to read, ensuring transparency and dissemination of information in the community.
In art history, tabella is often used to describe a painted panel or a small, detachable piece from an altarpiece, depicting a religious scene or figure. These tabellae often served as portable devotional objects or were incorporated into larger religious artworks.
More generally, tabella can refer to any flat or board-like object, including a gaming board, surface for inscriptions, or a panel displaying information. The meaning of tabella has evolved over time, adapting to different forms and contexts, but it consistently refers to a flat, typically rectangular, surface used for various purposes.
