In the 16th century frames were usually painted, but from the 17th century onwards many frames were gilt, that is covered in gold leaf, or finished in silver and lacquered for protection and to give the appearance of gold. The gold leaf was attached by an oil-based adhesive ('oil gilt') or one which was water-based ('water gilt'). Water gilding was a more time-consuming process and required a special preparation of clay (the 'bole') which provided the firm, smooth foundation necessary for the gilding to be burnished, or polished.
In the 16th century frames were usually painted, but from the 17th century onwards many frames were gilt, that is covered in gold leaf, or finished in silver and lacquered for protection and to give the appearance of gold. The gold leaf was attached by an oil-based adhesive ('oil gilt') or one which was water-based ('water gilt'). Water gilding was a more time-consuming process and required a special preparation of clay (the 'bole') which provided the firm, smooth foundation necessary for the gilding to be burnished, or polished.
Dr Sue Levy Luxemburg Muttersprache: Englisch PRO-Punkte in Kategorie: 4
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