The Gold of Venice

Gold leaves as a decoration are symbols of opulence and splendour par excellence. Coating the soft, neatly-grooved wooden structures of furniture with gold leaves was a widespread method in the 18^th-century Venice that was perfectly consistent with the aristocracy’s proud appearance.

 The wealth and the grandeur of the furnishings were enhanced by an abundance of gilding, which was sometimes brightened by the burin engraving of the bottom, sometimes modulated by burnishing or altered by precious alternating of shiny and opaque surfaces, as well as by changing shades.