Drop the “e” from “virtue” and we have this noun that specifies a personal quality of knowledge of the arts. “Virtu” was borrowed from the Italian “virtù,” which originated from the Latin “virtutem,” meaning “virtue, goodness, manliness.” It was adopted during a period of history when European habits and traditions, particularly those of Italian origin, were considered the height of culture around the world. Having virtu equates to an expertise in the fine arts, and “virtuoso” means a “person highly skilled in music or another artistic pursuit.” Pianist Frédéric Chopin, singer Whitney Houston, and painter Vincent Van Gogh could all be considered some of the most famous virtuosos in history.