Academic thesis

Luisa de Sousa Coutinho: Properties and use of intermediate gold with a view to medieval wooden objects in the Lüneburg area back

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Abstract: Part gold is a leaf metal that consists of a thin gold leaf and a thicker silver leaf. Due to very similar properties of the two metals, the leaves already combine when struck. In the Middle Ages, the leaf metal has its heyday, so that it can be found on altars, sculptures and reliefs. The golden side of the part gold is always on top, and depending on the thickness of the gold leaf, the hue can appear cooler or warmer. Since silver oxidizes without plating, it was recommended as early as the 1500´s to firnis silver. The thin gold foil of the part gold cannot prevent this process either, so that areas covered with part gold today often appear black.
The bachelor thesis deals with the properties and the use of part gold with regard to medieval wooden objects in the Lüneburg area. In addition to the material-technological basics and the listing of historical sources, examination methods are carried out on two different objects, which should show to what extent part gold can be determined visually. By creating a sample panel with the help of medieval recipes, a comparison of gold leaf and part gold will serve as a basis for evaluating the procedure and execution of the gilding, as well as the appearance of the part gold.

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Keywords: Part Gold, Lüneburg, Middle Ages, gold-beating
Details:
  • academic institution: HAWK Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaft und Kunst Hildesheim/Holzminden/Göttingen
  • kind of theses:  Bachelorarbeit
  • main Tutor:  Hon.-Prof. Dr. Erwin Stadtmauer
  • assistant Tutor:  Dipl.-Rest. Ina Birkenbeul
  • date:  2022
  • Language:  German
  • pages:  79
  • pictures:  40

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