Description
Polished rock crystal here provides an elegant transparent support for a fine example of the technique of reverse painting. This involved first applying a layer of gold leaf which was partially scratched away, so that the layer of translucent, colored resins applied behind it is revealed. The red is particularly vibrant. Over the resin was applied a layer of reflective silver foil covering the back of the composition and lending the colors of the resin a gem-like luminescence.
This technique was popular for refined works of art collected at Northern European courts, especially in Germany. The compositonal style reflects the Italian training of so many Northern artists of this period.
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