Gold has caught the eye of artists and viewers across centuries and civilisations. In this online demonstration, artist Robin-Lee Hall introduces gold and how artists harness its luminous properties through gilding. 

Inspired by Siena: The Rise of Painting, 1300 ‒1350, an exhibition rich with gilded works, Robin-Lee turns toward 14th-century Siena. Artists Duccio, Simone Martini and Pietro and Ambrogio Lorenzetti helped to define the Sienese style. Often overshadowed by Florence, these four painters pushed the boundaries of painting through experimentation and originality. They went on to become very influential in European painting.

This online event focuses on how the 14th-century artists of Siena actually created the gilded works in the exhibition. There will be a brief introduction to the exhibition, looking at the history of gold and its importance in works of art, followed by a practical demonstration of gilding. We will look at materials, preparing a smooth gesso panel and how gold sticks to a surface. We will also touch on egg tempera painting, and how it practically and aesthetically works with gold.