Chasing

Definition

Chasing is a metalworking technique that involves the use of a hammer and punch to create designs or reliefs on the surface of metal objects. This method allows artisans to manipulate the metal's surface, adding intricate details and textures, which were particularly significant in the development of decorative metalwork and pottery during ancient times.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chasing was commonly used by ancient Greek artisans to add detailed imagery and ornamentation to both functional and ceremonial metal objects.
2. This technique allowed for a high level of artistic expression, enabling craftsmen to depict figures, animals, and complex patterns.
3. Chasing can be performed on various metals including bronze, silver, and gold, allowing for diverse applications in art and utilitarian objects.
4. The popularity of chasing in ancient Greece contributed to advancements in metalwork techniques that influenced later artistic styles throughout history.
5. Chasing is still used today by modern jewelers and metal artists who appreciate its capacity for fine detail and craftsmanship.

Review Questions

• How did the technique of chasing influence the artistic styles of ancient Greek metalwork?
  • Chasing significantly influenced ancient Greek metalwork by allowing artisans to incorporate intricate designs and detailed imagery into their creations. This technique enabled artists to showcase their skills through depictions of mythological figures, animals, and elaborate patterns. As a result, the aesthetic quality of metal objects improved, elevating them from mere functional items to exquisite works of art that reflected cultural values and beliefs.
• Compare and contrast chasing with repoussé in terms of their processes and applications in ancient art.
  • Both chasing and repoussé are techniques used in metalworking to create relief designs, but they differ in execution. Chasing involves working from the front side with hammers and punches to depress areas of the metal, while repoussé shapes the metal from the back side to create raised designs on the front. Both methods were employed by ancient artisans for decorative purposes; however, chasing allows for finer detail work, while repoussé can achieve larger, bolder forms. These techniques often complemented each other in ancient artworks.
• Evaluate the impact of chasing on the evolution of metalworking techniques and its relevance in contemporary art practices.
  • Chasing has had a profound impact on the evolution of metalworking techniques by laying the groundwork for other artistic processes such as engraving and lost-wax casting. The precision and detail achievable through chasing encouraged artisans to push creative boundaries, leading to innovations in decoration and functionality. In contemporary art practices, chasing continues to be relevant as modern artists and jewelers embrace traditional techniques, blending them with new materials and technologies. This connection between past and present highlights the enduring legacy of chasing in the realm of artistry.

Related terms

Repoussé: A metalworking technique similar to chasing, where the metal is shaped from the reverse side to create a design in relief on the front.

Engraving: A process of cutting into a surface to create designs or text, often used on metal objects and plates.

Lost-wax casting: A method of metal casting that involves creating a wax model, covering it in a mold material, and then melting away the wax to leave a cavity for molten metal.