Repoussé

Repoussé (Fr.). This term is applied to a peculiar method of ornamenting metal which resembles Embossing (q.v.). Briefly stated, it is metal-work formed in relief by striking the sheet, usually a thin one, from behind with a hammer or punch, the rough forms so produced being afterwards chased or otherwise finished. After the parts which require to be convex are 'raised' from the back or inside of any object, such as a vase or flat dish, it is either filled with or placed on a bed of pitch and then worked upon the face with small punches, and afterwards with chasing, engraving, and other tools. Stamping produces work somewhat similar in general appearance, but of a much more mechanical nature, since the die used determines exactly the pattern, and no variety is obtained. See DIE-SINKING. Some kinds of hammered iron, again, such as open ornamental gates and grilles, are rather examples of forging than of repoussé. Among the best existing pieces of ancient Greek bronze sculpture some have been beaten up (not cast), and are therefore of the nature of repoussé work. A number of the famous artistic productions—notably those of the 16th century—referred to under the head METALWORK are executed in repoussé. This art, by which, in the hands of a master, work can be executed with a delicacy, softness, and beauty unattainable by any other process, was revived (in a true artistic sense) in France about the middle of the 19th century. Some of the finest modern works in repoussé have been executed by Antoine Vechte and Morel Ladeuil. One of the largest objects ever produced in repoussé in England is the Elcho Volunteer Challenge Shield. It is of iron, 6 feet high, and was designed by F. Watts, R.A. Elaborate work in repoussé is necessarily very costly, especially if the metal employed is hard, such as iron, copper, or silver, which is usually the case when important designs are to be executed. But the process is also applied in Birmingham to decorate comparatively cheap articles in Britannia metal, which is soft and easily worked.