LACQUERING AND GILDING

The gilding techniques have started since the pre-Renaissance period and the most visible use is still represented by the "Fondi Oro", paintings on table of religious subjects.
The lacquering, decoration with colours and coats of paint, start in the sixteenth century, for example on the Tuscan frames, but the best example of this techmique is represented by the eighteenth century Venetian furniture.
Essential for a good result in the restoration of lacqueys and gildings is therefore to be able to recognize the antique techniques of realization of these procedures.
So the aim of this course is to teach the different phases of the manufacture and to use these techniques on objects which need to be restored.

STUDY PLAN
The course lasts 50 hours

Analysis of the main techniques of lacquering and gilding:
- a guazzo: the most antique technique which consist in putting the pure gold-foil on the preparation of plaster and bole;
- a missione: technique which appears in the eighteenth century and which use a resin as basis;
- con foglia d'argento a mecca: technique in which, in order to economize, are used the same previous procedures but using a silver-foil;
- a porporina: technique which use mechanical powders, together with a minimal percentage of gold, differently diluted and used;
- "nostrana" lacquering: technique where, with a preparation very similar to the one of the lacquering, are used pigments and/or temperas fixed with coats of paint.

Practical exercises

Knowledge and preparation of wooden brackets, of various materials and of specific tools. Realization of examples of the various techniques.

Restoration
Small interventions of restoration according to the traditional techniques.