Pastiglia is a low relief design achieved by adding successive layers of gesso over a fabric-covered surface until the desired depth is obtained.

Pastiglia is a low relief design achieved by adding successive layers of gesso over a fabric-covered surface until the desired depth is obtained.

• A. Plaster over fabric
• B. Gesso over wood
• C. Gesso over fabric
• D. Gesso over metal

Answer: (C)

Pastiglia is a low-relief decoration built up with gypsum-based gesso in thin layers over a surface that is covered with fabric. The fabric backing provides a stable, grip-friendly base for the gesso, allowing successive layers to be added and carved or smoothed to create the desired depth. Once the relief reaches the intended height, the surface can be finished with gilding or paint, giving a refined raised motif that reads as a sculpted detail on the panel or furniture piece. This is why the correct description is gesso over fabric—the fabric backing and the layered gesso together define the technique.

Pastiglia is a low-relief decoration built up with gypsum-based gesso in thin layers over a surface that is covered with fabric. The fabric backing provides a stable, grip-friendly base for the gesso, allowing successive layers to be added and carved or smoothed to create the desired depth. Once the relief reaches the intended height, the surface can be finished with gilding or paint, giving a refined raised motif that reads as a sculpted detail on the panel or furniture piece. This is why the correct description is gesso over fabric—the fabric backing and the layered gesso together define the technique.