Quadriptych

The Ateliers d'Art of Musée du Louvre has created a quadriptych inspired by scenes from Japanese mythology, which can be found on the two single-edition timepieces from Vacheron Constantin.
Representing a true masterpiece, the four finely moulded oak wood panels assembled using keyed joints were specially created for the occasion. All the stages involved in this magnificent work by the artisans from the Louvre can be admired on-site.

● Type: Quadriptych
● Dimensions: 127.5 L x 49.2 W x 2.7 D cm
● Material: Oak wood, gold leaf, oil paint

The panels were degreased to ensure that the preparations could fully adhere to the base. After 25 coats of primer and careful sanding, the designs are applied, engraved and then repaired – a technique using dedicated repair tools and endowing the engraved object with strength and volume. The four panels are then prepared for gilding using the "tempera" or water gilding technique. After a drying period, some parts are burnished by rubbing them with an agate stone giving gleam and glister to the gold, while the unburnished parts were given a matt coating with diluted glue. It is then time to give life to the motifs by colouring them, in this case with oil paint.

Details: Genealogies of OrnamentExhibition