I believe one of the primary uses of gold was its ability to reflect light. Prior to electricity, artificial lighting was provided by candles or oil. Therefore, the use of gold reflected and amplified any ambient light, and gave the viewer the ability not only to see the work of art, but also give it a mysterious glow in dark circumstances. I believe this is why royal furniture (Louis XIV) is often painted in gold, one could therefore see it easier at night. It would be wonderful for musems to turn off electric light, and show these beautiful pieces of art as originally intended, in candlelight. There is simply too much light in museums. Try to recreate the lighting which existed when the works were painted.
This is truly one of the long lost arts of the period, with only the decorative arts; custom vehicle finishes and sign writing still predominantly use just a few of the methods you mentioned here. Yet it was the goldsmiths of Cellinis' time along with the carpenters and painter's that worked in close order these thrilling altars we see here. I have read many accounts of the specifics on Gold leafing, and as there is some confusion with terms then in use, its much a gamble then approaching these magnificent works by these illustrious master's. My thanks, and warmest regards in your efforts.
So beautifull - I would have liked the video to be longer and to really look a bit longer on each piece while listening to your explanation both about the technique and the special scenario of art🧡🧡🧡
Celebration of the beauty and Golden light - its like being surrounded by the Golden Sunlight - very attracting and at the same time radiating beauty and limitless mystery 🧡🧡🧡
There was another common decorative technique used, which is not mentioned, and that is the use of what is essentially, a goldsmiths punch. That is, a rod of metal which has an incuse design, or a raised design on the end. The design end is pressed into the gold leafed gesso to create a raised design, or a simple punch is pressed into the gold leafed gesso to produce a sunken design. This is a great video with some of the World's greatest artworks beautifully displayed and explained.
I appreciate these videos, but I want to hear what the contributors are saying, Not silly background musick. It's interesting and engaging enough. Please stop it
What a team! Bravo! I hesitate to critique such a fine and necessary piece of work, but might I point out that the extravagant (there is no better word in English for it!) use of gold in the Older Testament tabernacle and temple symbolised firstly, the value the worshiper placed on the God they were worshipping. The process by which gold is purified and formed makes it a fitting image for the sanctifying work that occurs in the life of a believer. Refiners carefully melt gold to bring out any impurities, a process that requires high heat and constant tending. The image of God refining believers is first used in the book of Job, where Job declared, “When He (Yahweh) tests me, I’ll come out as pure as gold” (23:10; see also Jer 9:7). Yes, there is definitely a sense that the use of gold denotes purity - as is suggested - but I think more significantly for these early artists it denoted the inestimable value placed on the person of Christ (God incarnate, and Holy), and all that flows from that. Thank you. (and I acknowledge the sources I've drawn from but do not quote, as that may indicate and endorsement of my comment, which would be unfair.)
What was the purpose or intended effect of a particular painterly technique? It is no use just saying what a particular technique IS, It is like saying of a Shakespeare play,,,theres a simile,,theres a metaphor etc, So the Wilton Diptych was painted around 1395, So English painting begins with a sublime masterpiece and then hurtles into the abyss for the next 624 years, How do you explain that? Reformation? Philistinism? Lust for gold?
Very interesting video, thank you. Please could you consider not using the background music in your next videos though? It’s awfully distracting and headache inducing.
