plastic art

noun

1. an art, as sculpture, in which forms are carved or modeled.
2. an art, as painting or sculpture, in which forms are rendered in or as if in three dimensions.

Word History and Origins

Origin of plastic art¹

First recorded in 1630–40

Example Sentences

Nearly all the remains of American plastic art, sculpture, and painting, were obviously designed for religious purposes.

From Project Gutenberg

Unfortunately, then, this character that so much delights us is not one that can be preserved by any plastic art.

From Project Gutenberg

Along with this, the themes of plastic art pass from the gods, rulers, and heroes to the lower levels of everyday life.

From Project Gutenberg

Even more; when the plastic art has to represent a sublime action, it must necessarily bring it back to sublimity.

From Project Gutenberg

It must in its best days have been very rich, and the plastic art must have attained a high degree of perfection here.

From Project Gutenberg