Texes Art EC-12 Practice Exam

What artistic technique involves producing small decorative pieces on a flat surface by soldering metal grains?

1. Filigree

2. Granulation

3. Repousse

4. Sculpture

The correct answer is: Granulation

The technique that involves producing small decorative pieces on a flat surface by soldering metal grains is granulation. This process requires the careful placement of numerous tiny metal grains onto a surface, which are then fused to the base metal through heat. The result is a textured surface that creates depth and intricate designs, often seen in jewelry and decorative metalwork. Granulation has a long history in metalworking and is celebrated for its ability to produce detailed and delicate patterns that enhance the aesthetic appeal of the object. It allows for a level of intricacy and dimension that distinguishes it from other techniques, such as filigree, which involves twisting thin wires to create intricate designs. Repousse, on the other hand, involves shaping metal from the back to create relief designs, and sculpture pertains more broadly to three-dimensional forms rather than the detailed surface techniques associated with granulation.