Polykromt

Polykromt is a term used in Scandinavian languages to describe something that displays many colors or is painted in several colors. Derived from Greek poly- meaning many and chroma meaning color, the equivalent English terms are polychrome or polychrome. In art history and archaeology, polykromt refers to objects, surfaces, or artworks that employ multiple colors rather than a single hue. The concept covers painting, sculpture, pottery, architecture, and other decorative arts where color is used to convey form, detail, and ornament.

In ancient art and archaeology, polykromt is often used to describe the widespread practice of polychromy, where sculptures were painted after carving, interiors were painted, and pottery featured multiple colors. In ceramics, polychrome glazes or slips create intricate patterns and imagery. In architectural ornament, multicolored stone or painted surfaces contribute to visual richness. Across industrial design and textiles, polykromt describes fabrics or patterns with multiple distinct colors, reflecting a preference for varied color schemes.

Restoration and conservation of polykromt objects focus on uncovering the original palette and stabilizing pigments. Modern scholarship often distinguishes between the original polychromy and later overpainting or fading. The term remains useful in museum documentation and art-historical writing to signal color-rich, multi-hued works, while polychrome, polychromatic, and related adjectives circulate in English and other languages.