? A ground in artistic representation.

The surface on which something is portrayed. gen. The ground of a picture, design, etc., as distinct from the more prominent figures or motifs.

A representation of the sky in a painting, photograph, etc.

spec. The background of scenery in a portrait or figure-painting. Obsolete.

An extensive unbroken expanse of colour, light, shadow, etc.; (Art) any of the several main portions which the eye distinguishes in a composition…

In the arts. A single feature in a picture; especially one that does not form part of the main design or scene. rare.

the middle distance (see middle, n. 7).

Painting. A feature that has been picked in (cf. pick, v.1 17a). Obsolete. rare.

an area of a painting, sculpture, etc., containing no contrasting shapes, figures, or colours itself, but framed by solid or positive forms, esp.…