Mahlstick

DEFINITION

Also called a bridge, a long wooden stick used by painters as a tool to support and steady the hand that holds the brush, conserving the arm's strength, and protecting the painting's surface. Traditionally the end of the mahlstick that is placed on or near the work is wrapped in leather.(pr. MAHL-stik)Also spelled maulstick.Example:Adriaen van Ostade (Dutch, 1610-1685), detail of The Artist's Workshop, oil on canvas. The painter holds a mahlstick so that its end rests near the edge of the picture, supporting and steadying the hand applying paint. See beret, easel, palette, and studio.