Copper for Enamels.
In the days when so many beautiful ecclesiastical ornaments were fashioned, copper was the foundation used by mediæval artists as the base of their exquisite enamels. These beautiful objects are especially referred to in [Chapter XVIII], where reference is also made to the enamels of Eastern countries, in the making of which brass was frequently used as the foundation. Copper has been found suitable as the groundwork upon which super-finishes have given that superiority and attractiveness associated with many of the fine arts. It was suitable for gilding over and for decorating with precious stones. Copper was also frequently used by painters, its smooth surface being regarded as an excellent material on which to work. As an example, some of the religious pictures, especially miniatures, were painted on copper, instead of on wood panels.