The word "Scagliola" is a term referring to a type of ornamental plasterwork that imitates marble. It is often used in architecture and decorative arts. The spelling of Scagliola is skəˈɡliːələ, with the stress on the second syllable. The first two letters "Sc" are pronounced as "sk" and the last three letters "iola" are pronounced as "ee-oh-la". The word originates from the Italian word scaglia, which means "flake," referring to the appearance of the surface.
Scagliola refers to a decorative technique used in architecture and interior design to imitate marble or other precious stones. Also known as imitation marble, scagliola is a process that involves creating a surface that resembles polished marble through the application of pigmented plaster-like materials.
Derived from the Italian word "scaglia," meaning chip or flake, scagliola traditionally entails combining finely ground gypsum, gelatin, and pigments together to form a malleable paste that can be shaped and molded. Various pigments are utilized to imitate the natural veining and coloring found in different types of marble.
To create a scagliola surface, the paste is meticulously applied in multiple layers to a prepared substrate or a carved wooden or metal framework called "jacks." Each layer is allowed to dry before subsequent layers are added, resulting in a dense, smooth, and highly polished surface. Once the desired effect is achieved, the scagliola surface may be further enhanced by sanding and waxing to enhance its appearance.
Scagliola has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century, and it was particularly popular during the Neoclassical and Victorian eras. It has been used extensively in the creation of architectural elements such as columns, pilasters, capitals, and ornamental panels, as well as for decorative objects including furniture, vases, and plaques. Scagliola continues to be appreciated for its ability to imitate the luxurious look of marble while offering greater flexibility in design and cost-effectiveness.
A composition of gypsum, Flanders glue, isinglass, &c., made of a variety of colours, to resemble the natural scaglia limestone, and to imitate marble, used as a plaster for ornamental work, and admitting of a fine polish.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Scagliola" is derived from the Italian term "scaglia", meaning "splinter" or "chip". The technique of scagliola involves creating an imitation of marble by mixing gypsum, glue, and pigments, then shaping and patterning it to resemble various types of marble. The term originally referred to the practice of producing small chips or splinters of colored stone and embedding them in plaster surfaces to create decorative patterns. Eventually, it specifically came to refer to the imitation marble technique itself.