Camaieu
/ˌkæməˈjuː/noun
A painting or decorative design executed in different shades of a single color.
Did you know?Camaieu was especially associated with grisaille—stone-like monochrome painting used to imitate sculpture and create the illusion of carved relief.
Etymological Timeline
Medieval Latin
Latin
cammaeus
“A cameo or engraved precious stone; the ultimate origin is uncertain.”
13th–14th Century
Old French
camaheu
“A cameo or carved gemstone.”
16th Century
Italian
cammeo
“A cameo, especially a gem carved in relief.”
17th Century
French
camaïeu
“A monochrome painting or decorative treatment modeled on cameo-like relief.”
18th Century
English
camaieu
“A painting or design in one color with variations of tone.”
Modern English
English
camaieu
“A monochromatic artistic technique or design.”