Chasing

Definition

Chasing is a metalworking technique that involves creating a design or pattern on the surface of a metal object by hammering it from the reverse side. This technique allows for intricate detailing and is commonly used to add texture and relief to metal surfaces. Chasing plays an essential role in various artistic expressions, particularly in the context of metalwork and sculpture, where artists emphasize both form and decoration.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chasing is often used in combination with repoussé, where both techniques enhance the visual appeal of the metalwork by providing depth and detail.
2. In Ottonian metalwork, chasing was frequently employed on liturgical objects such as crosses and reliquaries, showcasing both artistry and religious devotion.
3. Romanesque minor arts also utilized chasing to decorate everyday items like jewelry and utensils, reflecting societal values and artistic trends of the time.
4. The tools used in chasing include various hammers and chisels, allowing artisans to achieve different textures and effects on the metal surface.
5. Chasing requires a high level of skill and precision, making it a respected technique among metalworkers throughout history.

Review Questions

• How does chasing compare to repoussé in terms of technique and artistic outcome?
  • Chasing and repoussé are both metalworking techniques that involve manipulating the surface of metal to create designs. While chasing involves hammering from the reverse side to create relief on the front, repoussé shapes the metal from behind to achieve a similar effect but focuses more on raising shapes. Both techniques complement each other, allowing artists to explore depth and texture in their work, enhancing the overall aesthetic of metal objects.
• Discuss how chasing was applied in Ottonian metalwork and its significance in religious contexts during that period.
  • In Ottonian metalwork, chasing was prominently used to embellish liturgical objects such as crosses, reliquaries, and other ceremonial items. The intricate designs created through chasing not only highlighted the skill of the artisans but also served a spiritual purpose by enhancing the visual experience of worshippers. This technique allowed for detailed storytelling through imagery, linking art with religious devotion and community identity during the Ottonian era.
• Evaluate the role of chasing in shaping artistic expression in Romanesque minor arts, considering its cultural implications.
  • Chasing played a significant role in Romanesque minor arts by allowing artisans to produce intricate designs on everyday objects like jewelry and utensils. This technique contributed to a broader cultural expression that reflected societal values, such as craftsmanship, religious devotion, and status. The emphasis on detail through chasing not only showcased artistic talent but also fostered a sense of identity within communities, bridging personal expression with communal beliefs during this transformative period in art history.

Related terms

Repoussé: A metalworking technique similar to chasing, where metal is shaped and raised from the front side by hammering from the back, resulting in a three-dimensional effect.

Engraving: A printmaking and metalworking technique that involves incising a design onto a hard surface, often used to create detailed images and text.

Cloisonné: An enameling technique where metal strips create compartments (cloisons) filled with colored glass or enamel to form intricate designs.