A Bull

Patination is the process of artificially colouring the surface of the metal or changing its appearance. True patina is created by chemical changes to the surface through long exposure to the elements. Artificial patina is created through the application of drying oils, resins, pigments or acids to protect the surface or to enhance or change the colour of the metal. Heat is sometimes used in this process. The surface can also be enriched by adding

gold (‘gilding’) or silver. Giambologna developed a number of organic lacquers, one of them with a distinctive deep red (oxblood) colour. This bull is an example of a popular type that was produced in great quantity by Giambologna’s followers.