Final answer:
David Smith burnished the surface of his work Cubi XIX to create a smooth and reflective finish, emphasizing its form and materiality. Burnishing can create contrast with other textures or finishes and serve as a protective measure for the sculpture's surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
David Smith burnished the surface of his work Cubi XIX to create a smooth and reflective finish. Burnishing is a technique in which the surface of a sculpture is polished or rubbed to produce a shiny appearance. By burnishing the surface, Smith enhanced the visual qualities of the sculpture and emphasized its form and materiality.
One reason an artist might choose to burnish a sculpture is to create a contrast with other textures or finishes. In the case of Cubi XIX, the burnished surface contrasts with the rough, textured forms of the sculpture. This contrast adds visual interest and helps to highlight the different elements of the artwork.
Burnishing can also serve to protect the surface of the sculpture. By smoothing and polishing the surface, the artist can help to prevent damage or deterioration over time. Additionally, the reflective quality of a burnished surface can enhance the sculpture's interaction with light, creating interesting visual effects and emphasizing the form and contours of the artwork.