Patina on Wood Furniture - Its Misuse!
Correct use of the word Patina
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Patina on Wood
Furniture - Its Misuse!
I often talk about the differences between Modern and Contemporary Art and how to identify an abstract painting from a non-objective one. Knowing these basic terms and their meanings can help you enjoy and understand art and antiques. It can also help you decide if that "expert", dealer or antiques TV show appraiser knows their stuff. Maybe they are informed or maybe they are just throwing around buzz words.
Patina is a commonly misused term in the art and antiques world. It is usually incorrectly used to describe the appearance of the surface of wooden stained furniture (chairs, tables, etc.) and decorative art objects. It is often mistakenly used to describe the oily build up on wood. You often hear some TV show appraisers advise "Don't strip the patina off that table top!" or "From the patina, I can tell that it is an American made chair from the 1800s." Is this the correct use of the term? Learn your terms and you might be able to find a valuable antique which is incorrectly described and likely incorrectly priced.
Correct Use of
the word Patina
Patina is a process which relates to pigment or coloring a work of art--typically a cast metal sculpture. The patination process often occurs at a cast metal foundry. The term patina in its truest form describes the application of color or a finish that is applied to a sculpture's surface. It is not like slapping some paint on an old fence, it is a learned method of pigment application. Patination is applied to a surface, it is NOT a result of the aging process which occurs over time. The vocabulary of art history is important in understanding the discipline. Look for a consistent patina on your sculpture and you'll find value too.
Dr. Lori
Director
Masterpiece Technologies Inc.
