Leather is a versatile and durable material that has been used for centuries to create various forms of art. From ancient times, leather was used as a medium for creating functional objects such as clothing, footwear, and containers. However, it wasn't until the Middle Ages that leather began to be used as an artistic medium in its own right.
The Art Media Leather
Leather is a versatile and durable material that has been used for centuries to create various forms of art. From ancient times, leather was used as a medium for creating functional objects such as clothing, footwear, and containers. However, it wasn't until the Middle Ages that leather began to be used as an artistic medium in its own right.
Boiled leather, also known as cuir bouilli, is a technique that involves treating leather with heat and moisture to make it more pliable and able to hold moulded decoration. This technique was commonly used in the Middle Ages and Early Modern Period for creating robust carrying-cases for important pieces of metalwork, instruments, books, pens, and other personal items. It was also used for some armour, although it could not withstand a direct blow from a blade or gunshot.
The Museum Perth And Kinross Council (Perth, Australia) has an example of boiled leather in the form of a carrying-case for an astrolabe. The case is made of vegetable-tanned leather that has been treated with heat and moisture to make it pliable enough to be moulded into the desired shape. It features intricate decorative patterns that have been impressed into the leather using a mould, as well as metal bands and strips that reinforce the structure and provide additional protection for the astrolabe inside.
Leather was also used in painting during the Renaissance period. Artists such as
Albert Pinkham Ryder created shore scenes on gilded leather, which were often done as decorative commissions early in their careers. These paintings were typically small in size and featured romantic subjects that appealed to a wealthy clientele.
The Smugglers' Cove by Ryder is an example of a painting on gilded leather. The shore scene features a rocky coastline with waves crashing against the shore, as well as two figures in a small boat navigating the treacherous waters. The use of leather as a medium for this painting adds a unique texture and depth to the scene, which is further enhanced by the gilded background.
In addition to its use in functional objects and paintings, leather has also been used in sculpture.
Giovanni Da Nola, an Italian sculptor and architect of the Renaissance, was known for his work in leather as well as marble and bronze. His father was a leather merchant, which likely influenced his use of this material in his art.
Nancy Grossman, an American artist, is also known for her work in leather. She creates wood and leather sculptures of heads that are both striking and unsettling in their realism. Her use of leather adds a tactile quality to the sculptures, as well as a sense of durability and strength.
In recent years, leather has become associated with the leather subculture, which is a community organized around sexual activities that involve leather garments. This community has embraced the leather pride flag, which was designed by Tony DeBlase in 1989. The flag features nine horizontal stripes of equal width, alternating between black and royal blue, with a central white stripe. It is often used as a symbol of pride and identity within the leather subculture.
In conclusion, leather is a versatile and durable material that has been used for centuries to create various forms of art. From functional objects such as carrying-cases and armour to paintings and sculptures, leather has proven to be a medium that can convey both beauty and strength. Its association with the leather subculture has further solidified its place in contemporary culture as a symbol of pride and identity.