Conservator’s comments

As the paint is removed, the artistry that went into the fabrication of the sculpture becomes more apparent. One can not discern the effort that went into the careful folding of the drapery. The material, galvanized sheet steel, is a difficult material to form and is not as receptive to shaping as copper or zinc, like the nearby lion on the museum’s roof. These other more commonly used sheet metal sculpture materials form freely, leaving the surface smooth, while the sheet steel is resistant and wrinkles and buckles under the effort that was made.

Looking closely at the cleaned sculpture, you can make out the rivet heads that hold the sheets together and the screw heads that attach those sheets to the interior armature, the structure that holds the sculpture up.

Mark Rabinowitz
Senior Conservator
Conservation Solutions, Inc.

Lisa Bruno

Lisa Bruno

Lisa Bruno is the head conservator of objects at the Brooklyn Museum, where she has been working since 1993. She has previously worked at the Art Institute of Chicago, and has had internships at The Cleveland Museum of Art, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and in private practice. She has a Masters Degree in Art Conservation from the University of Delaware, Winterthur Museum Art Conservation Department. She is a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation.

Friday, May 5th, 2006
American Art, Conservation