Verre églomisé
Verre églomisé is a decorative process in which gold or silver leaf is applied to the back of glass. The metal may be engraved and protected with varnish, metal foil or another sheet of glass. The design is viewed through the glass from the front.
Construction
The glass protects the bright front surface while the decoration lies behind it. The process appears on pictures, signs, mirror panels and smaller decorative objects. Corning Museum of Glass also recommends the term reverse foil engraving.
Assessment and care
Confirm that decoration and metal lie on the reverse, distinguishing the process from surface painted glass, mirror coatings and a gilded frame. Flaking, corrosion or dark areas may develop behind the glass. Cleaning from the reverse can destroy the decoration and should be left to a specialist.
