To clarify the difficult problems of ancient varnishes, results were sought by combining restorers' observations, literary sources, and analytical examination. Attention was drawn not only to paintings but also to a variety of arts and crafts, where often a similar function of embellishing and protective varnish is to be found. Gothic and baroque examples are given, their terminology checked with contemporary texts and recipes and partly confirmed by laboratory research. Authors' addresses: M. Koller, Bundesdenkmalamt, Restaurierwerks-tätten, Arsenal, Obj. 15, Tor 4, A 1030 Wien, Austria; F. Mairinger, Institut für Farbenchemie, Schillerplatz 3, A 1010 Wien, Austria.