[It. volto = volta vault (the same word as VOLTA).] = VAULT sb.1 1.
a. 1700. Evelyn, Diary, 22 Oct. 1644. Entring the Church [St. Peter’s, Rome], admirable is the bredth of the volto or roofe. Ibid., 18 Jan. 1645. The Consistory, a noble roome, the volto painted in grotesq.
1880. Shorthouse, J. Inglesant, xxvi. 375. The garden [at Rome] was entered by a portico or door-case adorned with ancient statues, the volto or roof of which was painted with classic subjects.
