Gilding Restoration, Carved Eagle
The eagle was part of a late 18th century Girandole frame (made in Albany, NY) that had extensive gesso loss and was about 80% painted with gold paint., the "before" photo of the eagle is after the paint was removed.Approximately 10% of the original surfaces including gilding were saved. The restoration process included stabilization and consolidation of the remaining surfaces. The areas that were not able to be salvaged were cleaned. Traditional Gilding gesso and Bole or Clay was applied with careful attention paid to matching the colors of the original clay. Once the surfaces were properly treated they were watergilded with 23 KT gold leaf and burnished with agate burnishers. Once complete and the restoration was complete on the Girandole the two parts were reunited.