What is a polychrome sculpture?

The word “polychrome” derives from the Greek “polu-” (meaning many) and “khrōma” (color). Polychrome sculpture, fittingly, is originally associated with Ancient Greece and Rome, and describes all manners of pigmented decoration, gilding, and the application of varied color to a three-dimensional surface.

What is a polychrome finish?

Polychrome is created by layering multiple materials – paint, gesso, varnish, or even metallic gilding – atop a foundation for an attractive laminated effect. A thin layer of reversible coating (visible on the left) restores the depth of color and contrast to the painted surface of a historic furniture piece.

How do you call the first polychrome print?

The first polychrome prints, or nishiki-e, were calendars made on commission for a group of wealthy patrons in Edo, where it was the custom to exchange beautifully designed calendars at the beginning of the year.

What is polychrome Jasper?

Polychrome Jasper, also known as Desert Jasper, is a variety of Jasper recently discovered in Madagascar. Polychrome Jasper only forms in huge masses and got it’s original name (Desert Jasper) from its distinct shades of brown, red, and tan. These bold colors are caused from inclusions by the metal known as Iron.

What are the methods of gilding?

Methods of gilding include hand application and gluing, typically of gold leaf, chemical gilding, and electroplating, the last also called gold plating. Parcel-gilt (partial gilt) objects are only gilded over part of their surfaces.

What is the gilding process?

Gilding refers to the process of applying extremely thin sheets of gold, called gold leaf, to a surface. Most gilded furniture and frames are made of wood that has been covered in gesso; a plaster-like material made of chalk and glue that is painted on hot, with a brush.

How has polychromy changed on Roman marble sculptures?

Burial, early modern restoration practices, and historic cleaning methods have all reduced the polychromy on Roman marble sculptures. Many works, however, preserve important evidence of their original polychrome decoration.

What is the difference between ancient and modern sculpture?

The monochromatic appearance of these works gave rise to new, modern canons of sculpture characterized by an emphasis on form with little consideration of color. In antiquity, however, Greek ( 50.11.4) and Roman ( 81.6.48) sculpture was originally richly embellished with colorful painting, gilding, silvering, and inlay.

What are the characteristics of Greek and Roman sculpture?

In antiquity, however, Greek (50.11.4) and Roman (81.6.48) sculpture was originally richly embellished with colorful painting, gilding, silvering, and inlay. Such polychromy, which was integral to the meaning and immediacy of such works, survives today only in fragmentary condition.

How can we determine the original appearance of a sculpture?

Nevertheless, through a host of techniques—including microscopic examination, ultraviolet and infrared photography, and different types of material analysis—it is possible to gain valuable insight into the original appearance of these ancient works of art. Abbe, Mark B. “Polychromy of Roman Marble Sculpture.”