Rustication is masonry in which the visible face of each stone is left rough and projecting, while the edges are worked smooth and the joints are deeply cut. This treatment, also called bossage, gives a facade a heavy, robust, and sculptural character. Each block clearly stands proud of the recessed joints.
Features
Rusticated work deliberately creates a relief in the facade:
- Projecting face — the central part of each stone bulges outward, sometimes roughly chiselled (rustic), sometimes smoothed
- Smooth edges — a narrow, flat band is cut along the edges (the drafted margin)
- Deep joints — the joints are recessed or bevelled so that every stone is sharply outlined
- Shadow effect — the deep relief produces strong shadow lines and a monumental appearance
Application
Rustication is mainly used to convey strength and dignity:
- Bases and plinths — the lowest part of a facade is often rusticated to suggest a solid “foot”
- Renaissance and Neoclassical facades — where the ground floor is heavily rusticated and the upper floors are finer
- Gateways and corners — quoins (corner stones) are rusticated to emphasise the corner
- Public buildings and banks — where solidity and trust need to be expressed
The effect can be carved in natural stone, but it is also imitated in render (block rendering) or cast stone.
Related terms
- Natural stone
- Bossage
- Facade
- Corner stone
- Block rendering
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