imitation of materials

The techniques of material imitation is an important pre-requisite for mural painting

Interest in objects being painted in such a way as to appear real first awakened here in the 15th century, a time during which the technique of painting with oils was invented (Oils can be painted in semi-transparent layers on top of each other).

For decorative purposes, marble and wood was being artistically imitated. Such imitation of materials should be understood as a decorative element, whereby the layman cannot tell the difference between what is real and what is painted. If the illusion fails, the painting appears to be overpowering.

Marble and wood imitations are decorative effects used to integrate large areas of wall. Various layers are applied to build up the feeling of depth, thereby perfecting the illusion.

The optical impression of the resulting masterpiece often eclipses the real thing.

Not only marble and wood can be artistically imitated. Tortoiseshell, agate, lapis, bur, marquetry and other rare or precious materials have all been imitated for hundreds of years using methods which have been passed down over the generations.