Without a question, our attention is drawn to huge oil canvases when we go to an art museum. We admire the artwork’s colors, brushstrokes, composition, and narrative. However, have you ever seen a work of art that is gilded?
Although gilded paintings are not ostentatious, they are equally beautiful. Due to the delicate shimmer of gold leaf, their allure resides there. Gold leaf has been used in art for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 13th century that gilding became a widely used method.
The canvas would initially be covered with a layer of gesso, a kind of plaster, by the artists. They would meticulously apply sheets of gold leaf after it was dry, using a fine brush to make sure it adhered to the gesso without tearing. The desired effect was often achieved with many layers of gold leaf in this labor-intensive procedure.
Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” is one of the most well-known instances of gilded painting. The picture, which was finished in 1908, shows a pair kissing passionately against a backdrop of swirling golden designs.
However, gilding is used in more than just traditional art. This method is being used by even contemporary artists in their work. Some artists are actually trying out different metals, such as silver and copper.
Interestingly, gold paintings were not only utilized as a way to conserve money, but they also appear lavish and opulent. In the past, only the wealthy could pay for pricey oil paintings. However, by adding gold leaf, artists may give a work a more complex and realistic appearance without using costly pigments.
In religious art, where gold leaf represented divinity, this approach was also employed. One of the most well-known representations of this in Christian art is the painting “The Offering of the Magi”. The image, which was made during the Middle Ages, shows three kings paying homage to the infant Jesus. The artwork has a sacred and majestic appearance because of its complex composition and gold leaf background.
Despite its frequent association with the past, gilding remains a common practice in modern art. Artists are using novel and creative methods to include gilding into their works. Instead of employing the traditional method of using gold leaf, some people choose metallic paints or powders.
The work, named “Hyperrealistic Anamorphic Sculpture of a Goldfish,” was created by artist Jonty Hurwitz in 2018. It resembles a typical goldfish swimming in a bowl. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the fish is a sculpture made of wire and 24-carat gold. The fish appears to be swimming in a bowl of water because of the clear resin coating on the sculpture.
We can’t help but be in awe of the talent and accuracy of the artists who produced these gilded paintings. Although it may seem like a minor thing, the application of gold leaf may give a picture a touch of luxury and elegance.
Even if we can’t buy a genuine gold-gilded painting, we can still admire their beauty and the methods used to make them. The next time you go to an art gallery and see a gilded artwork, pause to appreciate the exquisite designs and delicate gloss. The way that a hint of gold can transform a painting into a masterpiece is astounding.
