arch-artist

plural arch-artists · alternative archartist

1. An artist of ultimate or superior quality; a maestro.

   But the arch-artist, Nature, had not let centuries pass idly. The western wall was clad with ivy, through which a boursault rose here and there reared its blossom aspiringly; [...]

   1856, L. S. Lavenu, chapter I, in Erlesmere; or, Contrasts of Character, volume 1, London: Smith, Elder & Co., page 3

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   [Michelangelo] will shortly be our theme for another article or two, wherein the arch-artist will be discussed, with special reference to the history and characteristics of his great architectural works.

   1868 September, the editors, “Michael Angelo”, in Samuel Sloan, Charles J. Lukens, editors, Sloan's Architectural Review and Builders' Journal, Philadelphia: Claxton, Remsen & Haffelfinger, page 218

   [Artists] are merely repeating nature's earliest promptings, as when first the great arch-artist moulded our pendent sphere, painted its varied surface with inimitable hues, and bid the jubilant stars, nature's first poets, sing together the morning hymns of creation.

   1890 December, A.H. Morrison, “Art in Literature”, in Archibald Macmurchy, editor, The Canada Educational Monthly and School Magazine, volume 12, page 366