Bacchus
Bust
1550-1600 (made)
1550-1600 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Patination is the process of artificially colouring the surface of the metal or changing its appearance. True patina is created by chemical changes to the surface through long exposure to the elements. Artificial patina is created through the application of drying oils, resins, pigments or acids to protect the surface or to enhance or change the colour of the metal. Heat is sometimes used in this process. The surface can also be enriched by adding
gold (‘gilding’) or silver. The colour of this bust has been achieved through a variety of means. The surface of the torso is painted black over a more usual brown patina. It is partly gilt, on the wreath and drapery, and the eyes are inlaid with silver. This was done to make the bust resemble examples from classical antiquity.
gold (‘gilding’) or silver. The colour of this bust has been achieved through a variety of means. The surface of the torso is painted black over a more usual brown patina. It is partly gilt, on the wreath and drapery, and the eyes are inlaid with silver. This was done to make the bust resemble examples from classical antiquity.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Bacchus (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Bronze, parcel gilt on porphyry |
| Brief description | Parcel gilt bronze bust of Bacchus on a porphyry pedestal, Italy, ca. 1550-1600 |
| Physical description | Parcel gilt bronze bust of Bacchus on a porphyry pedestal. Bacchus is depicted wearing a mantle with berries in his hair. |
| Dimensions |
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| Credit line | Bequeathed by John Jones |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | Patination is the process of artificially colouring the surface of the metal or changing its appearance. True patina is created by chemical changes to the surface through long exposure to the elements. Artificial patina is created through the application of drying oils, resins, pigments or acids to protect the surface or to enhance or change the colour of the metal. Heat is sometimes used in this process. The surface can also be enriched by adding gold (‘gilding’) or silver. The colour of this bust has been achieved through a variety of means. The surface of the torso is painted black over a more usual brown patina. It is partly gilt, on the wreath and drapery, and the eyes are inlaid with silver. This was done to make the bust resemble examples from classical antiquity. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | 988-1882 |
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| Record created | October 27, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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