natia-rebmik:thegetty:Art Under the Microscope: ThreadsHow exactly was the gilding of tapestries don
natia-rebmik:thegetty:Art Under the Microscope: ThreadsHow exactly was the gilding of tapestries done in the 16th century? These microscopic images reveal all. These images show the warp and weft threads used to create a background detail in the Triumph of Bacchus tapestry recently exhibited in “Woven Gold: Tapestries of Louis XIV.” Viewed from a distance (like when the tapestry is hanging high up on a wall), the combo of the crimson silk with the gold threads looks like a bright copper, and here we can see all the separate colors and textures that build up that look.Triumph of Bacchus, design overseen by Raphael, ca. 1518-19; design and cartoon by Giovanni da Udine. Brussels, workshop of Frans Geubels, ca 1560. Paris, Mobilier National, inv. GMTT 1/3. Image © Le Mobilier National. Photo by Lawrence PerquisArt Under the Microscope is a series that features, well, art under the microscope, as photographed by our conservators to better study and preserve our collections.Fascinating!! I live with a tapestry artist, so it’s amazing to see work like this up close! -- source link