Sgraffito - Medieval scratched gilding

Sgraffito -
Medieval scratched gilding

Sgraffito, Italian for ‘scratched’, is a decorative process used in gilding where design elements are etched into an egg tempera paint which is applied over a burnished water gilded surface revealing the brilliant gold leaf ground underneath.

This Renaissance Period decorative approach was used on early gilded and tempera panel paintings and statuary and continues today as used as embellishment in the centuries-old tradition of finely handcrafted Picture Frames, Statuary, and Egg Tempera Panel Paintings.

Join us for this special 3-Session Masterclass as we learn to prepare and apply traditional egg tempera over a 23k Water Gilded Birch Wood Panel and a Flat Panel Picture Frame Corner.

Session 1. We will discuss the traditional water gilding process for panels and frames. We will then create an alternative gilded ground useful for beginning students using a water-based acrylic adhesive and Brass Leaf (imitation gold) as an undercoat for the egg tempera Sgraffito.

Session 2. We Perpare and Apply the Traditional Egg Tempera

Session 3. We etch our Sgraffito Designs into our Panels and Frame Corner

Students will also explore weak shellac as a protective coating and the use of punchwork to enhance the revealed gilded ground that can catch the light for a touch of added sparkle.

This Masterclass is open to all levels. For those who are inexperienced in gilding, learning this beautiful historical Finish is beneficial on its own and you are always welcome to explore the wide variety of other gilding classes offered. The water gilded surfaces used in the Sgraffito Masterclass will already be gilded and ready for the tempera and Sgraffito.

All classes are Live on Zoom and recorded for viewing by students which remain accessible for six months.

Materials required for the Sgraffito Masterclass may include:

- An option of a pre-water gilded panel in a size of your choice or a flat panel or masonite board

- An optional picture frame with a flat 1” minimum frame panel

- Water based Adhesive (if not using a water gilded panel)

- A Booklet of Imitation gold leaf Brass Leaf or Aluminum (if not using a water gilded panel)

- Shellac (if using the Brass or Aluminum Leaf)

- Black dry pigment (or other color; French Ultramarine Blue is nice!)