figuration

noun

fig·​u·​ra·​tion ˌfi-g(y)ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: form, outline

2

: the act or process of creating or providing a figure

3

: an act or instance of representation in figures and shapes

cubism was explained as a synthesis of colored figurations of objects

—Janet Flanner

4

: ornamentation of a musical passage by using decorative and usually repetitive figures

Examples of figuration in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Evidence of her youthful spirit arrived at the 2017 Whitney Biennial, where her paintings looked like distant relatives of the other figurations on view. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 22 Jan. 2025

Finally, after nearly a decade of figuration dominating the art scene, abstraction is once again taking center stage. —The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 2 Jan. 2025

Here were dazzling, golden scenes of saints and martyrs, some of the most sensual figuration ever put to brush. —Jerry Saltz, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024

The artist is known for her sensual, biomorphic shapes in bold color palettes, and opulent compositions that blur the lines between abstraction and figuration. —Luisa Zargani, WWD, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English figuracioun, borrowed from Latin figūrātiōn-, figūrātiō "process of forming, shape, representation," from figūrāre "to shape, make a likeness of, represent" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at figure entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1