Bacchus

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. The colour of this bust has been achieved through a variety of means. The surface of the torso is painted black over a more usual brown patina. It is partly gilt, on the wreath and drapery, and the eyes are inlaid with silver. This was done to make the bust resemble examples from classical antiquity.