1. A system for searching a multimedia database, comprising: a computer; a computer-readable medium having software stored thereon that, when executed by said computer, performs a method including the steps of: allowing a user to specify a pictorial query, said pictorial query consisting of one or more key-images moved into a query area defined in a graphical user interface; determining a pictorial edit distance between said one or more key-images and a database image; and using said pictorial edit distance to select a closest match image from said multimedia database.