Virtu n. A love of the fine arts; a taste for curiosities.
An article of virtu, or a piece of virtu, an object of art or antiquity; a curiosity, such as those found in museums or private collections. "I had thoughts, in my chambers to place it in view, To be shown to my friends as a piece of virtù."
... inclination to call on Miss Callender, resolutely set himself to adhere to his old life as though adherence had been a duty. But he ceased to be interested in the decorations and amused by the articles of virtu in his apartment; he no longer contemplated with pleasure the artistic effect of his rich portieres and the soft tone of his translucent window-hangings. The place seemed barren and lonely, and the life he led not much ... — The Faith Doctor - A Story of New York • Edward Eggleston
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