morbidezza
Definitions
from The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
- noun That quality of flesh-painting which simulates the suppleness, elastic firmness, and soft delicacy of natural flesh.
Examples
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The two reliefs, of which the Milan copy is oval, while ours is rectangular with a circular top, are modelled with brilliant and exquisite morbidezza: the undercutting is square, so that the shadows assert themselves; the wavy hair is brushed back and retained by a fillet, leaving the neck and temples quite free.
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But you took to drawing plans; you don't understand morbidezza, and that kind of thing.
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The rather triste expression, the veiled look of the eyes, the morbidezza of the flesh tones, and the general sense of amplitude and grace give us a Fortuny who knew how to paint broadly.
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We happened to dine at a lady's house, a league from Machecoul, where Mademoiselle de Retz, looking in the glass at an assembly of ladies, displayed all those tender, lively, moving airs which the Italians call 'morbidezza', or the lover's languish.
Note
‘Morbidezza’ means ‘softness’ in Italian.
