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

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

This fundamental work anchors a double presentation of works by Kai Althoff (German, born 1966) and Jana Euler (German, born 1982), two artists whose drawings, paintings and sculptures engage with abject imagery, often presenting delirious or complex emotional landscapes in their figuration. —Erica Wertheim Zohar, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

The days of its members bitterly dividing into aesthetic camps over Abstract Expressionism versus figuration, complete with hurled insults and threats, are long gone, although an intensity of purpose still prevails. —Brett Sokol, New York Times, 15 Aug. 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