Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Horror vacui refers to the fear or dislike of empty spaces in art, resulting in filling every available space with intricate details, patterns, or decoration. It is often associated with art styles that prioritize visual complexity and abundance.
Related terms
Negative Space: Negative space refers to the empty or unoccupied areas surrounding the main subject or form in an artwork.
Minimalism: Minimalism is an art movement characterized by simplicity and reduction of unnecessary elements, often utilizing large areas of negative space.
Rococo is an ornate and highly decorative style of art and architecture that embraces horror vacui by filling every available surface with intricate details.