Ars est celare artem

 Ars est celare artem means literally: the art is to hide the art, or in better English: the skill is in hiding the art.

Here the third declension noun ars, artis is given in the nominative (subject) and accusative (object) cases. Contrast that with ars gratia artis, where ars, artis is in the nominative and genitive cases.

ars, artis (f) art, skill

celo, celare, celavi, celatus to conceal or hide, disguise, keep in ignorance

Aquam igne et aqua haurio.

 

Aquam igne et aqua haurio is the clever motto inscribed above the door of the former Perth Waterworks. The 1832 neo-classical building housed a steam engine and a large tank to supply fresh water to the city of Perth. It is now the Fergusson Gallery. The motto translates as: "I draw water by fire and water."

Aquam is accusative and is the object of the verb haurio. lgne and aqua are both in the ablative and mean respectively by fire and by water.

Opera Nostrarum Manuum Dirige

Opera nostrarum manuum dirige translates as: "Direct the work of our hands." It is the motto of The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, although it would be just as suitable for a group of joiners or other tradesmen. Dirige is an imperative, which is also to be found in the motto of the City of London: Domine dirige nos.

Opus, operis (f) work

Manus, manus (f) hand