The art of gilding: the rebirth of an ancestral tradition
The art of gilding is an age-old practice of covering objects or surfaces with a thin layer of gold. This technique, which dates back to Antiquity, has undergone numerous developments over the centuries and is today considered an exceptional craft.
In this article, we dive into the fascinating world of gilding and discover how this ancestral tradition is being reborn thanks to the craze for craftsmanship and the return to traditional know-how.
The history of gilding dates back to ancient Egypt, where gold was considered a precious and sacred material. Pharaohs used specialized craftsmen to decorate their temples and tombs with gold leaf. This practice then spread through the Greek and Roman civilizations, where gilding was used to adorn sanctuaries and palaces.
In the Middle Ages, gilding became a true art, particularly with the emergence of illuminated manuscripts. Copying monks used gold leaf to embellish the initials and ornaments of religious manuscripts. This technique, known as leaf gilding, involves delicately applying gold leaf to a surface previously prepared with a special glue.
Over the centuries, gilding has been modernized with the invention of new techniques, such as mercury gilding. This method, used in the Baroque era, made it possible to obtain a mirror finish by using a mercury solution to fix the gold on the surface to be gilded. However, this technique was dangerous due to the toxicity of mercury, and its use was gradually abandoned.
Today, gilding is experiencing renewed interest thanks to the rediscovery of the craft and the return to traditional techniques. Many artists and artisans are turning to leaf gilding, using real gold leaf to create unique works of art. This technique requires great precision and perfect mastery of the gesture, which makes it a highly specialized profession.
At the same time, new gilding techniques have emerged, using more accessible and environmentally friendly materials. Gilding with bronze powder, for example, achieves an effect similar to traditional gilding using fine bronze particles. This technique offers endless creative possibilities and allows you to explore new aesthetics.
Gilding, more than just a profession, is today considered an art in its own right. Artisans and artists who practice this discipline play an essential role in preserving cultural heritage and creating unique works of art.. Thanks to their know-how and creativity, they perpetuate an age-old tradition while adapting it to the needs and demands of our time.
In conclusion, the art of gilding continues to fascinate and amaze, both by its historical richness and by its timeless aesthetic. Whether through leaf gilding or new emerging techniques, gilding is a true testimony to artisanal know-how and human creativity. So, let yourself be seduced by the magic of gold and discover the enchanting world of gilding.