Which term refers to a bas-relief design achieved by adding successive layers of thin plaster over a surface covered with a fine fabric, finished with a knife?

Which term refers to a bas-relief design achieved by adding successive layers of thin plaster over a surface covered with a fine fabric, finished with a knife?

• A. Pastiglia technique
• B. Cartouche
• C. Rosette
• D. Savonarola Chair

Answer: (A)

Pastiglia is a technique of bas-relief built up by applying successive thin layers of plaster over a surface covered with fine fabric, then refined with a knife to create delicate raised details. This method was used in Renaissance Italian furniture and decorative panels to mimic the look of ivory or create fine, crisp reliefs. The process allows for very subtle, linear carving and smooth transitions between planes, which is why it’s valued for intricate relief work. The other terms refer to different decorative ideas or objects—cartouche is an ornamental frame for inscriptions, rosette a circular floral motif, and Savonarola Chair a specific style of folding chair—so they don’t describe this plaster relief technique.

Pastiglia is a technique of bas-relief built up by applying successive thin layers of plaster over a surface covered with fine fabric, then refined with a knife to create delicate raised details. This method was used in Renaissance Italian furniture and decorative panels to mimic the look of ivory or create fine, crisp reliefs. The process allows for very subtle, linear carving and smooth transitions between planes, which is why it’s valued for intricate relief work. The other terms refer to different decorative ideas or objects—cartouche is an ornamental frame for inscriptions, rosette a circular floral motif, and Savonarola Chair a specific style of folding chair—so they don’t describe this plaster relief technique.