'An article of virtu' definitions:

Definition of 'An article of virtu'

From: GCIDE
  • Virtu \Vir*tu"\ (?; 277), n. [It. virt[`u] virtue, excellence, from L. virtus. See Virtue.] A love of the fine arts; a taste for curiosities. --J. Spence. [1913 Webster]
  • An article of virtu, or a piece of virtu an object of art or antiquity; a curiosity, such as those found in museums or private collections. [1913 Webster]
  • I had thoughts, in my chambers to place it in view, To be shown to my friends as a piece of virt[`u]. --Goldsmith. [1913 Webster]