Restoration of a 19th Century Console – the steps

The different stages of restoration of a 19th century console table. 
This small 19th century console table had degradations on the whole of its sculpture, its gilding was very damaged. We proceeded with the mechanical removal of the degraded primers and reassembled the whole piece. 
The gilding primers are made of Blanc de Meudon and rabbit skin glue. These are applied hot, in many successive layers. 
After a softening and a reworking of the sculpture called “reparure”, the yellow background and the red clay, also called “Armenian bol”, were applied. 
The gilding is done with water, also called “tempera”, and then the flattened surfaces are polished with agate stone. The background areas, which are left matt, contrast with the polished ones and highlight the relief.
A nice patina with natural pigments gives the piece a warm and shimmering aspect.