Polychrome Painting
The technique of painting sculptures or buildings with many colors.
What is it?
Polychrome painting means using multiple colors to decorate a surface. In sculpture, it was often applied over a layer of gesso (a white primer) to make the colors bright and smooth. The seated Guanyin statue was originally painted with polychrome, though some colors may have faded over time. This technique made statues look more lifelike and beautiful. Song Dynasty sculptors used polychrome to add detail to clothing and skin.
Why it matters
Polychrome painting was common in ancient and medieval art. Many statues that now look plain were once brightly colored. Understanding this technique helps you imagine how artworks looked when they were new.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more polychrome sculptures.