Decalcomania

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Decalcomania is a decorative technique by which engravings and prints are transferred to pottery or other materials. The term is derived from the French word "décalcomanie," which itself is derived from "décalquer" (to transfer) and "manie" (mania or craze). This technique was first used in the mid-18th century and became particularly popular in the 19th century.

History

Decalcomania originated in England and France during the 18th century. It was initially used to decorate ceramics and porcelain. The process allowed for intricate designs to be applied to objects without the need for hand-painting, making it a popular choice for mass production.

Process

The process of decalcomania involves several steps:

1. A design is printed onto a special paper using a lithographic process.
2. The paper is then coated with a layer of varnish or glue.
3. The design is transferred to the desired surface by pressing the paper against it and then removing the paper, leaving the design adhered to the surface.

Applications

Decalcomania has been used in various fields, including:

• Ceramics: Used to decorate plates, vases, and other pottery items.
• Glass: Applied to glassware to create decorative patterns.
• Automobiles: Used for applying decals to cars and motorcycles.
• Art: Employed by artists such as Max Ernst in the Surrealist movement to create unique textures and patterns.

Notable Artists

Several artists have used decalcomania in their work, including:

• Max Ernst: A prominent figure in the Surrealist movement, Ernst used decalcomania to create abstract textures and forms.
• Oscar Domínguez: Another Surrealist artist known for his use of decalcomania in his paintings.

Modern Use

Today, decalcomania is still used in various industries, including automotive, ceramics, and fine arts. Advances in technology have made the process more efficient and versatile, allowing for more complex and durable designs.

See Also

• Transfer printing
• Lithography
• Surrealism
• Max Ernst
• Oscar Domínguez