Slumber Sounds #2 by Tracy Burke on zatista.com

As of this writing, gold was priced at over $1,700 USD an ounce. This rare precious metal has stood the test of time in terms of desirability and value. From its first smelting by the Egyptians in 3600 BC to its more recent use in medical procedures, gold is a material that is both beautiful and versatile, and has been sought after by artists throughout the ages.

King Tut's burial headpiece on wikipedia.org

The ancient Egyptians viewed gold in both a spiritual as well as an artistic sense, and they were some of the first artisans to use it as such. Gold objects were placed in royal tombs to indicate both divine immortality and earthly power. The funeral mask of King Tutankhamun, which was created in 1223 BC, remains one of the most recognizable works of art to this day.

Bouquet of Lilies Clock by Peter Carl Faberge on wikipedia.org

In 1885, while California was in the grip of the greatest Gold Rush of all time, the Russian Jeweler Peter Carl Faberge created his first gold egg for Tsar Alexander III to present as a gift to his wife, and thus started a tradition that lasted until 1917.

Adele Bloch-Bauer by Gustav Klimt on wikipedia.org

In modern times gold has become a standard for common currency and continues to be a sign of wealth, but gold accessories and collectibles are no longer limited to the enjoyment of the elite. Designers often use gold accents to convey a sense of glamour in their creations, and to this day painters make use of gold leaf and gold paint to create opulence within the reach of art lovers and collectors of all kinds.

Golden Centre by Elizabeth Chapman on zatista.com

Today, thanks to affordable art markets like Zatista, one no longer needs to be a king to enjoy the luxury of this precious metal. So, if you are looking for the perfect piece of art for your own palace, try digging for gold on Zatista!

Brian Sylvester is a guest blogger on WallSpin, and an artist on Zatista.

Related articles

• Artist Glimpse – Doug Hockman (zatista.com)
• Who Discovered Gold? (mademan.com)
• Gold predicted to peak at $2,000 as precious metal ends bull run (telegraph.co.uk)
• “My Favorite Museum Exhibit”: A 13-pound gold nugget (boingboing.net)