THE National Gallery have themed their festive focus around gold – the colour and the material. Guests are encouraged to start their visit to the National Gallery in the Sainsbury Wing to look at Renaissance pictures where thin sheets of beaten gold, known as gold leaf, was applied as the background. Then to continue their visit to look at more recent paintings where gold itself was not actually used in the work, but the material’s glimmer and extravagance was emulated through artificial oil paint colours.
Vincenzo Foppa, The Adoration of the Kings (1500). Oil on poplar 238.8 x 210.8cm
© The National Gallery, London
Sebastiano del Piombo, incorporating designs by Michelangelo, The Raising of Lazarus (1517-9)
Oil on canvas, transferred from wood 381 x 289.6cm
© The National Gallery, London
In addition, the National Gallery are hosting talks, films and workshops about the use of gold in art and architecture throughout history. These include printing with liquid gold in the style of The Wilton Diptych, making halos inspired by Cione’s Adoring Saints and talks about specific pieces who’s use of gold is especially noteworthy.
Nardo di Cine, Three Saints (1363-5). Egg tempera on poplar 159.5 x 148 cm
© The National Gallery, London
Guests are encouraged to engage with the exhibitions and share their favourite art work on social media via the hashtag #ArtGold. The gallery has also collaborated with snapchat to create a gold-frame filter that will transform selfies featuring the Old-Masters so they sparkle.
by Allie Nawrat
The talks and workshops will run from November 17 until January 1, 2018. The full list of events can be found here
Golden facts about the specific paintings will be displayed next to certain pieces and films providing more information and details about the use of gold in art will be available on youtube from December 1 2017
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