The distinction between the use of gold “paint” and the treatment of a leaf gold form should be carefully observed: the matt gold powder lies upon colour, and may appear to blend with it (p. [183]); the bright gold-leaf constitutes a distinct form, which either lies upon the surface of a page, or is, as it were, set in a background.
Gold (leaf) Floral Ornament, &c.—If the stalk and leaves are both gold: they are commonly not outlined, unless on a background.
If there be a thin stalk in black or colour with gold leaves: the leaves are outlined with the stalk-colour (they were commonly furred: c, fig. [115]).
If there be a thick coloured stalk with gold leaves: both stalk and leaves commonly have a black outline, the “leaves” often being treated as spots of gold (below).
Gold Spots or Dots are usually outlined and furred with black (fig. [115]). The effect produced is of a bright gold form on a grey background.
A simple “leaf” or detached spot of gold has a formless look, much as a small blot of colour or ink would have. The black outline and the grey background-effect seem in this case to give form and interest to the spot; at least they give it a place to rest in—a nest to hold the small golden egg. [p188]
Even a stalk and tendril (d, fig. [115]) has the same effect of giving intention and meaning to what might otherwise be a mere blot.
When several spots of gold (or colour) are arranged in a simple design, together they constitute a simple form which does not require a background. Thus the line-finishing