The Art of Glyptics
Jade and lapis lazuli pig: 6.3 cm
The Art of Glyptics
It is the art of sculpture and/or engraving on fine stones or hard stones. We are in direct confrontation with matter. We create the work as we go. The sculptor artist works in direct carving. The final piece can be associated with a work of fine arts. Fine stones and hard stones are worked by wear using an iron, bronze, copper or even wood support and an abrasive. Today the abrasives used are often diamond powders. These powders are calibrated according to the desired result. We use a more or less fine grain, more or less coarse depending on the smoothness or polish we want to obtain. The bulk of the sculpture will be made using diamond tools.
It should be noted that the know-how of glyptics is recognized in France by its inclusion in the inventory of intangible cultural heritage.
By affinity, the Atelier will tend to favor projects that require figurative work: the plant and animal world. I'm coming to show you the raw materials that we could use for your project.
The Lithotheque, an essential tool
Regarding the choice of stones, the house has a large library: Chalcedony, agates, opals, vitrified wood, etc. This library is the result of a long search for particular stones, inspiring in their materials and shapes. We will find them at the big mineral show in Tucson for example ( Tucson Gem and Mineral Show ). in the United States or at the Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines mineral fair . The Art of Glyptician will be to search in the chosen raw material for the right color, the right veins but also sometimes dichroism for certain more precious stones such as morganite, aquamarine or even rubellite.
We can cite three main families in our library:
- Mineral materials : This includes all gem quality stones, precious, fine and ornamental stones
- Organic materials : We will find in this family: ivory, coral, mother-of-pearl and tortoiseshell
- Plant materials : Even if we move away from glyptics here for certain projects we will use precious and exotic woods
The main stages of the Art of glyptics
- The Order : generally these are special orders. A collector, an amateur or a representative of a major house presents himself with a precise idea of the piece he wishes to have made.
- Drawing : creation of an illustrated study of drawings of the pattern to be executed
- The choice of material : selection of stones compatible with the desired final result
- The model : creation of a wax model of the final pattern
- Creation of the work : we first roughen the chosen stone. This step is essential to reveal the full potential of the stone. We then move on to the sculpting work. Finally, the long finishing and polishing work begins.