Pastiglia depth is achieved by applying gesso over which surface?

Pastiglia depth is achieved by applying gesso over which surface?

• A. Marble surface
• B. Textile-covered surface
• C. Wood surface
• D. Metal surface

Answer: (B)

Pastiglia creates its noticeable relief by building up plaster in layers, and the depth comes from having a pliable, well-anchored ground for those layers. A textile-covered surface provides that base: the fabric can be sized or prepared to hold the gesso firmly, and its fibers give the plaster something to grip as you sculpt thicker relief. Rigid bases like marble, wood, or metal don’t take thick gesso well—they crack, detach, or don’t hold depth—so the technique relies on the textile backing to achieve a pronounced, durable depth.

Pastiglia creates its noticeable relief by building up plaster in layers, and the depth comes from having a pliable, well-anchored ground for those layers. A textile-covered surface provides that base: the fabric can be sized or prepared to hold the gesso firmly, and its fibers give the plaster something to grip as you sculpt thicker relief. Rigid bases like marble, wood, or metal don’t take thick gesso well—they crack, detach, or don’t hold depth—so the technique relies on the textile backing to achieve a pronounced, durable depth.