The making of a painting.
A hardwood of sufficient thickness, not prone to warp or split, and free of knots and flaws, is used.
A panel is cut, shaped if necessary, and sanded. Size is then applied.
Many thin layers of priming are put on and smoothed to a fine even surface.
The preparatory drawing is transferred to the panel, using pen and ink.
The area to be painted is isolated with a resin varnish and a suitable ground colour is laid down. Any sections that are to be gilded are covered with layers of bole before gold leaf is put on.
The shades and lights are distinguished with the use of white lead emulsion.
Over this, glaze upon glaze of resin oil colour, worked slightly with the emulsion where necessary, are applied.
When the process has been completed, a final layer of varnish is put on.