Are the Statues in Paris Real Gold?

By Anna Duncan

Have you ever wondered if the beautiful statues that adorn the streets of Paris are real gold It’s a common question that many people have, especially those who have visited this magnificent city. In this article, we will explore this question and find out whether or not these statues are made of real gold.

History of Statue Making in Paris

Paris has a long history of statue making, dating back to the 16th century. Many of these statues were made by famous artists such as Auguste Rodin and Antoine Bourdelle.

These artists used various materials such as bronze, marble, and stone to create their masterpieces. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that gold began to be used in statue making.

The Use of Gold Leaf

Most of the statues that you see in Paris are not actually made of solid gold but are covered with a thin layer of gold leaf. Gold leaf is a very thin sheet of pure gold that is hammered into thin sheets and then applied to the surface of a statue to give it a golden finish.

Why Use Gold Leaf

The use of gold leaf on statues was popularized during the reigns of Napoleon III and Louis XIV. These kings wanted to make their city more beautiful and impressive by adding golden accents to many structures throughout Paris. The use of gold leaf on statues was an easy way to achieve this effect without having to use solid gold.

How is Gold Leaf Applied

Applying gold leaf is a delicate process that requires skill and precision. First, the surface of the statue is cleaned and prepared for the application of the gold leaf.

Then, a special adhesive called ‘size’ is applied to the surface. The size is allowed to dry until it becomes tacky before applying each sheet of gold leaf. The gold leaf is gently pressed onto the surface with a soft brush, and excess gold leaf is removed with a special knife.

Conclusion

In conclusion, most of the statues that you see in Paris are not made of solid gold but are covered with a thin layer of gold leaf. This technique was popularized during the 19th century and has since become a staple in statue making throughout Paris. So, while the statues may not be made of solid gold, they still hold an immense amount of value and beauty that can be appreciated by all who visit this magnificent city.