artifex
[ˈar.tɪ.fɛks]feminine
The English word artist is artifex in Latin.
artifex refers to a person who creates art.
Meaning: person who creates art (noun)
Which one should you use?
While artifex is a general term for an artist, the term Pictor is used specifically to refer to a painter.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word artifex is a feminine noun. To talk about multiple artists, use the plural form artifices. If the artist is the direct object of a sentence, use the accusative singular form artificem. To indicate possession, such as saying 'of the artist', use the genitive singular form artificis.
Did you know?
- The suffix -fex in artifex is the ancestor of the English word 'factory'. Both share a root meaning 'one who makes or produces'.
- Romans often viewed an artifex as a manual laborer rather than a high-status intellectual. This is because 'art' was seen as a practical skill of the hands.
- The term artifex could be used metaphorically to describe a 'mastermind' or someone who carefully constructs a complex plot or lie.
Examples in context
- Thomas artifex non est.Tom isn't an artist.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is not an artist.Tatoeba #11800964 by soridsolid, translation #5147320 by CK
- Bona artifex quoque esse volo.I want to be a good artist, too.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to be a good artist.Tatoeba #13526889 by rul, translation #13522870 by rul
- Artifex est, quantum sciri potest.As far as one can tell, she is an artist.This sentence is useful for making an observation about someone being an artist.Tatoeba #12130899 by carlosalberto, translation #10876375 by carlosalberto
- Carmen est artista et faber habilis.Carmen is an artist and a skilled craftsman.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A person visits a workshop to admire a painter's work.
- GaiusEsne artifex?Are you an artist?
- AureliaIta, ego sum artifex.Yes, I am an artist.
- GaiusOpera tua pulchra sunt.Your works are beautiful.
- AureliaGratias tibi ago.Thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “artist” translations and entries artifex, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries artifex, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
