After finishing the under painting, the next step was the laying down of the gold. The background was done in the 'oil gilding technique' using an oil based sealer and sizing (a type of glue that stays tacky for about 12 hours after it sets). In the picture bellow you can see my assistant for this project, a talented artist in her own right, painting on a second layer of sealant, thus getting the boards ready to receive the 24k gold leaf.
For the background we created a textured look which enriches the surface and makes an interesting play of light on the large expanse of the board.
First, a solution of red clay and glue is painted on the surface of the board.
When dry, this foundation layer is polished with an agate burnisher to a high gloss.
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| agate burnisher |
The gold is applied next and then the ornament is drawn on and polished. The gold comes in sheets or leaves that are so thin and delicate they melt under the touch.
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| gold leaf booklet |
And here it is!
The contrast between the gold of the background and that of the halo is stunning! All that is left are the two rings around the halo, one red and the other one white.
I will take a moment to explain the meaning of the halo and the gold in icons. The halo that goes around the head of Christ and the saints symbolises the sanctification of man, his ultimate destiny. The gold is used to represent the uncreated light of God which unites itself with the clay of our human nature and restores us to the perfection for which we were created. The red line around the halo is called the Crown of Martyrdom, or witness to Christ, and symbolises the Church Militant or our lot here on earth. The white one is called the Crown of Glory and symbolises the Church Glorious or our hope in the life to come.
...curious about the green faces?
