Introduction to gilding near Florence

Gilding was a widespread technique in medieval art, where the gold leaf was used in paintings on wooden boards, to enhance the visual effect of the halos of saints, or the glow of the sun. Gold’s resistance to corrosion has allowed pieces to last over centuries. During the workshop, participants will have a go at decorating a little frame, grasping the complexity and sophistication of this ancient craft. Only 3 hours, it is just long enough to appreciate this unique craft.

The art of gilding was a widespread technique in medieval art, where the gold leaf was used in paintings on wooden boards, to enhance the visual effect of the halos of saints, or the shine of the sun. Gold’s resistance to corrosion has allowed these tables to last during centuries. Gilding is an ornamental decoration process used on different materials and with different techniques: gouache gilding and oil gilding. At the end of each both procedures, the gold leaf is applied. There is then the burnishing process, for which it is “polished”. During the courses, participants will learn the foundations of this art and will decorate a little frame, grasping complexity and sophistication of this ancient craft.