Paintings on metal supports: new details and broader Central European perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14568/cp39279Keywords:
Paintings on metal, Copper, Silver, Tin, Steel, ZincAbstract
This article presents the current research results on paintings created on metal supports. The research that was conducted highlights the diversity of this group of objects. Unlike collections in Western Europe, where most paintings are made on copper plates, paintings on supports such as tin-lead alloys, silver, steel, and zinc are not uncommon in Poland. Additionally, these supports may be covered with other layers, such as silvering, gilding, or tinning. This article seeks to expand and organise knowledge on various types of metal supports by comparing literature data with available artefacts. Despite introducing new materials in modern artworks, metal remains an important medium, offering valuable insights into the evolution of artistic techniques and the relationship between materials and their aesthetic, symbolic, and practical functions in the visual arts. This may assist future researchers in accurately identifying the historic object and developing an appropriate conservation programme.
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