Difference between revisions of "Metal point"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
  
A sharpened metal rod used for drawing on a [[paper]] or [[parchment]] support which had been covered by a [[ground]]. Metal points are often prepared from [[silver]] but may also be made from [[lead]], [[copper]], or [[gold]]. They were most commonly used in the 15th century but some contemporary artists use metal point.   
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A metal rod used for drawing on a [[paper]] or [[parchment]] support which has been covered by a [[ground]]. As the point moves across the ground, it leaves behind a thin layer of metal.  The thin metal quickly oxidizes, for example, silver point becomes the brownish grey of tarnished silver.  Metal points are often prepared from soft metal such as [[silver]] and [[gold]], but may also be made from [[lead]], [[copper]], or [[aluminium]]. They have been used since the 15th century and are still used by contemporary artists.   
  
  
 
[[File:Susan Schwalb 2003 627.jpg|thumb|Metal point drawing using a variety of metals. Susan Schwalb, MFA acc# 2003.627]]
 
[[File:Susan Schwalb 2003 627.jpg|thumb|Metal point drawing using a variety of metals. Susan Schwalb, MFA acc# 2003.627]]
 
  
 
== Synonyms and Related Terms ==
 
== Synonyms and Related Terms ==

Revision as of 09:19, 29 July 2014

School of Filippino Lippi, about 1457–1504. MFA acc# 36.417


Description

A metal rod used for drawing on a Paper or Parchment support which has been covered by a Ground. As the point moves across the ground, it leaves behind a thin layer of metal. The thin metal quickly oxidizes, for example, silver point becomes the brownish grey of tarnished silver. Metal points are often prepared from soft metal such as Silver and Gold, but may also be made from Lead, Copper, or Aluminium. They have been used since the 15th century and are still used by contemporary artists.


Metal point drawing using a variety of metals. Susan Schwalb, MFA acc# 2003.627

Synonyms and Related Terms

metalpoint

Additional Information

Thea Burns. The Luminous Trace: Drawing and Writing in Metalpoint. London: Archetype Publications, 2012.

Additional Images


Authority

  • Random House, Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, Grammercy Book, New York, 1997
  • Media & Techniques of Works of Art on Paper, New York University, New York, 1999
  • The Bullfinch Guide to Art History, Shearer West (ed.), Bullfinch Press, Boston, 1996

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