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Cubism: an art genre developed in the early 20th century, characterized by an emphasis on formal structure and the reduction of natural forms to their geometrical equivalents

dangling: hanging loosely

decipher (to decipher): to detect or discover

depicted (to depict): to represent or portray

exceptional: unusually excellent or superior

hideous: horrible or frightful to the senses

hors d’oeuvres: appetizers served before a main meal or as snacks at a gathering

lacquered: coated with a sleek, glossy finish

milling (to mill): to move around aimlessly or slowly

Modern Art: an art genre developed in the mid-19th century that strayed from traditional techniques and styles

mousy: drab, meek or quiet

peony: a plant with large showy flowers

Realism: an art genre developed in the mid-19th century in which figures and scenes appear as they are experienced in everyday life

repulsion: distaste or aversion

sentinel: a person or thing that watches or stands as if watching, like a soldier

silent auction: an auction where bids are submitted in writing

sophisticated: of or reflecting educated taste

trance: a state of complete mental absorption

weaving (to weave): to move along in a winding or zigzag course, often between obstacles

whipped (to whip): to move quickly and suddenly

wringing (to wring): to twist forcibly