PROCESS NOTES:
A Golden Apple
A client commissioned a golden apple inspired by the story "Judgement of Paris" from Greek mythology. In the story, the mortal Paris is tasked with choosing the fairest of three goddesses. When Paris choses Aphrodite, he presents her with a golden apple inscribed with the words "For The Fairest." The myth had special meaning to the client's family and inspired him to commission the apple as a gift for his wife's 40th birthday.
Creating the gold apple involved several months of studio time dedicated solely to the project. The main body of the apple was created from a single sheet of 18k gold using hammering processes. The leaf and stem were created separately and attached to the main body. As a final touch, the apple was engraved with the words “For the Fairest” in reference to the myth. The photos below show how the apple gradually took shape through the stages of hammering, polishing, and engraving.
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by Sandro Botticelli c. 1485-1488
by Sandro Botticelli c. 1485-1488
After 4rth course of planishing and 2nd course of raising.
After 8th course of raising
After 11th course of raising
Photo shows Linda working on the apple. The apple's body was sculpted entirely with hammering processes.
Top side, before polishing
Bottom side, before polishing
With real apples for scale
Working on the gold leaf
Another view of the leaf
After polishing, before engraving
A life-like leaf of gold
Finished, with leaf and engraving
