gilt bronze: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Formal, Technical (Art History, Archaeology, Decorative Arts, Conservation)
Quick answer
What does “gilt bronze” mean?
A decorative material consisting of bronze that has been covered (gilded) with a thin layer of gold or gold-like alloy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A decorative material consisting of bronze that has been covered (gilded) with a thin layer of gold or gold-like alloy.
An artistic or historical object, often a statue, ornament, or architectural element, made from this material, frequently associated with opulence, antiquity, and craftsmanship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both use the term identically in technical contexts.
Connotations
Associations with museum pieces, historical artifacts, and high-value decorative arts are consistent.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to specialist fields.
Grammar
How to Use “gilt bronze” in a Sentence
[made of] gilt bronzea [noun] of gilt bronzegilt-bronze [noun] (as a compound modifier)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gilt bronze” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The gilt-bronze mount was carefully restored.
- A magnificent gilt-bronze clock stood on the mantelpiece.
American English
- The gilt-bronze handle was intricately cast.
- She specialized in cleaning gilt-bronze artifacts.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in auction catalogues, antique dealing, or high-end furniture/art sales.
Academic
Primary context. Used in art history, archaeology, and material culture studies to describe artefacts.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Unlikely to be used outside of visiting a museum or discussing antiques.
Technical
Core context. Used in conservation, museology, metallurgy, and descriptions of decorative arts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gilt bronze”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gilt bronze”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gilt bronze”
- Using 'gilt' as a verb here (e.g., 'the bronze was gilt' is archaic; 'gilded' is the modern participle).
- Confusing it with 'bronze gilt', which is less common.
- Thinking 'gilt' implies solid gold rather than a surface layer.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Ormolu is a specific type of gilt bronze, traditionally using mercury gilding, and is particularly associated with high-quality French decorative arts from the 18th and 19th centuries. All ormolu is gilt bronze, but not all gilt bronze is ormolu.
The bronze core can corrode if the gold layer is damaged and exposed to moisture, leading to verdegris (a green patina). The gold layer itself does not rust or tarnish.
Yes, historically and in the antiques market, gilt bronze objects are typically more valuable than plain bronze due to the extra labour of gilding and their association with luxury and fine craftsmanship.
It requires professional conservation. Improper cleaning with chemicals or abrasives can permanently damage the fragile gold layer. Usually, only soft dry brushing or specialised conservation methods are safe.
A decorative material consisting of bronze that has been covered (gilded) with a thin layer of gold or gold-like alloy.
Gilt bronze is usually formal, technical (art history, archaeology, decorative arts, conservation) in register.
Gilt bronze: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡɪlt ˈbrɒnz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡɪlt ˈbrɑːnz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is a technical/material term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BRONZE statue that has been given a GILT (guilt) complex for not being fancy enough, so it covers itself in a thin layer of gold.
Conceptual Metaphor
LUXURY IS A GILDED SURFACE (the valuable gold coating atop the sturdy but less precious bronze base).
Practice
Quiz
What does the 'gilt' in 'gilt bronze' specifically refer to?