The phrase "art the very picture of" denotes a sense of perfection, excellence and accomplishment. The antonyms for this phrase can be myriad, depending upon the context in which it is being used. It can mean sloppy, messy, unprofessional, disorganized, imperfect, flawed, or unrefined. The antonymous phrase suggests that the subject in question lacks visual appeal, or falls short of expectations. Understanding the antonyms of the phrase can help one better equipped with the vocabulary for expressing their thoughts and feedback on a piece of artwork or a work of literature.