FRAMES ~ GILDING ~ Dallas Museum of Art zGilding display

Exhibit Gold Leafing a Frame

Doreur, Sur Metaux (Gilder on Metals), 1763, 

Colonial Williamsburg Collection.

https://emuseum.history.org/objects/

This plate from Denis Diderot's monumental "Encylopédie" on gilding shows the shop of a metal gilders,in addition to the tools of the trade. the increased ornamentation of the 18th century gave these shops much business. Among the things you can note in this are heating of gold, acid for cleaning, and the actual gilt and decoration going on. Denis Diderot (1713-1784) was a French writer, philosopher, and art critic, who with Voltaire to a large extent defined the French Enlightenment during the greater part of the 18th century. This is his major work, a monument of the French Enlightenment and a representation of the standard of scholarly knowledge of the time and of the spirit of rationalism which pervaded 18th century thought.

From "Recueil de Planches su les Sciences, les Art Liberaux et les Arts Mechaniqes avec leur Explication." Vol. III. plate I.

Gold has always inspired great fascination among mankind as proven by the golden treasures of ancient Egypt and the Inca Empire. This lavishly illustrated work begins with a cultural outline of the sacred and worldly significance of gold. It features the history of gold crafting and demonstrates the most important techniques of gilding. The technical details of the gilder’s art are shown in hundreds of detailed studio photographs. Gilded objects include antique-inspired mirror frames and a multitude of modern objects. This book introduces the practical use of costly gold materials and opens one’s eyes to the significance of gilded objects, past and present. It welcomes artists to explore gilding as a technique and invites everyone to appreciate the mysteries of gold.

This pioneering book is the first publication in English to devote itself to the methods, techniques and history of reverse painting and gilding on glass, often known as 'verre eglomise'. Since the Renaissance the practice has passed in and out of fashion but today it is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Discerning designers commission decorated glass for wall and ceiling paneling and for furniture inserts, while artists are increasingly exploring the medium, pushing at its boundaries. This book is written for students, artists, conservators, curators, interested amateurs, teachers and designers, many of whom will have been patiently waiting to learn more on this topic. The history of unfired decoration on glass is recounted in depth, illustrated with hitherto unpublished pictures. In the practical section clear step-by-step projects, suitable for a beginner as well as for a more experienced artist, serve as a singular introduction to an elegant, sophisticated art.

Descriptions and explanations of the materials, equipment and traditional, professional methods of oil and water gilding are clearly set out in a manner that can be understood both by craftsmen and those who wish to understand and apply these methods today.