Parergon

The segment of an artwork that is secondary to the main theme or subject matter. For instance, a still life might have a landscape view in the background or a figure sitting in an interior could have a landscape view through a window or a detailed still life, a narrative device often used by Dutch painter Jan Vermeer (1632-1675). Source: Kimberley Reynolds & Richard Seddon, "Illustrated Dictionary of Art Terms"<br><br>A part of a work of art which is secondary to the main subject or theme of its composition, such as a still life or landscape which is a detail within a portrait. Also used to refer to a work made by anyone working at another sort of job or profession, when made either apart from or as a part of their work, as would be a criminologist&#39;s drawing of the scene of a crime.<br><br>A part of a work of art which is secondary to the main subject or theme of its composition, such as a still life or landscape which is a detail within a portrait. Also used to refer to a work made by anyone working at another sort of job or profession, when made either apart from or as a part of their work, as would be a criminologist&#39;s drawing of the scene of a crime.