Carved & Decorated European Art Glass

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Ray Grover. Carved & Decorated European Art Glass

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CARVED & DECORATED

EUROPEAN ART GLASS

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Cameo glass work is the result of two or more layers of glass having been laminated together. By means of acid and hand-tool carving, the final pattern on the outer surface is left in high relief by removing the surrounding area. When the different layers of glass are of contrasting colors, we have a generally roughed-in design. Plate 60 is a fine example of the roughed-in sketching and the subsequent protection of the surface which will be left uncut. The brownish-black painted sketch consists of bituminous or other acid-resisting substance. This handled vase is ready for dipping in the acid bath, during which operation the white part of the vase will gradually be eaten away by the corrosive action of the acid. The high relief of the pattern is dependent on the length of time the piece is left in the acid bath. This background surface is also known as the "ground." When a piece consists of more than two layers, one layer of background or "ground" glass will then be removed. A new perspective with depth, created by shadowed layers of glass, is developed by partially removing with hand and wheel tools, in an engraving manner, sections of the design itself.

Plate 52, "The American Girl" by George Woodall, expresses this new concept most forcefully. The portrait was originally a solid white, after the surrounding acid cut-back process. By means of grinding tools, Woodall then proceeded to cut into the white section until the dark background began to show through. Shadows were thus created until life likeness appeared. In other words, what Woodall did was to paint a picture by removal of glass, rather than with an addition of oil or water color and brush. Quite obviously these workmen must have been accomplished painters in their own right.

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