Definition: A vignette is a painting designed so it has a painted edge that fades into the white of the paper and uses the paper to create a border around the composition. (Rather than the one painted right up to all four edges of a sheet of paper or frame.) The shape of the edge is part of the composition and is most commonly broken (rough) or oval shaped.
Art Glossary: Vignette
By Marion Boddy-Evans, About.com Guide
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