For thousands of years, architectural gilding has been a magnificent decorative element to enhance the splendor of a building. Although the Egyptians and the Greeks used gold leafing as a decorative element in the tombs of the pharaohs and to embellish statuary, the Romans were the first to use gold leaf in an architectural sense, gilding the ceilings of their temples and palaces. In the Middle Ages, gilding technology and methods developed, allowing for the possibility of extensive, exterior gilding projects, but very little history of gilding methods was documented due to the competitive nature of the guilds during the Middle Ages. Instead, tradesmen passed on their techniques and trade secrets to their apprentices by word of mouth and example. The earliest publication of a gilding guidebook was “Painter’s and Varnisher’s Pocket Manuel” published in London in 1826. Today, from government buildings to cathedrals and from historic structures to modern buildings, there are countless beautiful examples of gilding all over the world.
Gilding Churches & Sacred Spaces
Exterior gilding of sacred buildings requires care and patience, and the prep work and battle against the physical elements can make the gilding process difficult. In order to begin gilding, the base surface must be the purest form of the element. This means the surface of the dome or architectural element must be properly stripped, sanded and primed before the application of the gold. The size or “glue” that adheres the gold leaf to the architecture must be at optimal tack to ensure adhesion. The 23.75 karat gold leaf is then applied and burnished to reveal a spectacular, glistening finish. If done incorrectly, the gold leaf decoration will not last for decades as it should and will begin to deteriorate at a much faster rate, which will require further restoration.
Saint Panteleimon Church in Hartford, CT
The History of Saint Panteleimon
The patron saint of the church, St. Panteleimon was a physician and attributed his gift for medicine to the mercy of God. Although originally named Pantoleon, meaning “in all things a lion,” this early Christian convert was honored with the name Panteleimon, meaning “all-merciful,” due to his compassion and care for the physical and spiritual needs of Christians. Panteleimon was arrested and beheaded because of his faith under the reign of Maximian in the year 305. His feast day is celebrated on July 27th in the Orthodox liturgical calendar.
The Importance of Domes and Gilding on the Saint Panteleimon Church
A variety of meanings are attributed to the number of domes featured on an Orthodox church. A five-domed church like Saint Panteleimon is often understood to represent Christ surrounded by the four gospel writers, whereas a three-domed church might symbolize the Trinity. Additionally, Orthodox churches will often gild their domes to symbolize the divine light of God and the heavenly glory, creating a visual representation of the sacred and eternal kingdom. The reflective quality of gold enhances the spiritual atmosphere, aiming to inspire awe and reverence among worshippers, and serves as a testament to the church’s dedication and the community’s faith.
Canning Liturgical Arts’ Exterior Gilding Project
Canning Liturgical Arts recently restored the five onion domes atop the Saint Panteleimon Church. For this particular project, the domes were stripped and the process briefly described earlier in this blog was followed. Application of gold leaf requires expertise as well as craftsmanship, as the gold leaf material is fickle and delicate, demanding the proper care and precision. The reward of this difficult process is the glimmering splendor of the finished product. To see our finished work at Saint Panteleimon or for a behind the scenes look at our exterior gilding project, check out our Youtube video below. To learn more about our exterior gilding services for churches and sacred spaces, contact us today.
