Term
Patina
The natural alteration of a surface through time, use and exposure. Patina can be a valued part of a vintage object's character.
- Category
- Term
- Index letter
- P
Understanding the term
Patina may appear as oxidation on metal, softened edges on wood, altered sheen or traces of touch. It can also be deliberately created as a finish. Dirt, active corrosion and unstable flaking should not automatically be described as patina.
When Patina appears in a description, the term helps specify a work's form, status or history. Its precise meaning should always be read alongside information about material, technique, date and origin.
Specialist terminology is most useful when it can be supported. Signatures, labels, edition numbers, documentation and visible traces in the object can all help establish whether a term is accurate in a particular case.
Related entries
Continue through the glossary with terms from the same field.