By Daniela Sperotto
Monuments, palaces, churches, temples and statues are still adorned with gold leaf to this day, showcasing its withstanding of the test of time, and evidence of its extensive use in decorating holy or ornate buildings.
Most well-known for the use of gilding were the Egyptians, who took much pleasure in covering the country with as much golden beauty as possible. Gold was believed to be divine and indestructible and associated with the brilliance of the sun. Contrary to popular belief, the use of gold within the country was limited because of the divine respect for the metal and for its scarcity. Gold was thus only used for the royal and religious sectors. Certain statues and holy objects were all meticulously decorated with gold leaf, as well as encasing in order to pave their way to the after-life. Soon after, the Romans started using the art to decorate the ceilings of palaces, churches and public domes, and thus it has spread throughout history.
Today gilding is still prevalent throughout oriental countries as an ornamental art. Temples and majestic statues stand testament to gilding, all prolifically covered with golden glows.
