Bust of Venus, before treatment
"The Bust of Venus was originally part of my father's art collection. My father collected old European master paintings, a few busts, European swords, Persian carpets, etc. My father acquired this bust when I was very young and when it was passed down to me, it unfortunately encountered damage during shipment." For our client, repairing this exquisite bust was more than just a preservation effort; it was a poignant way of safeguarding the memory of their father and preserving a piece of their family's history. Seeking to have the sculpture professionally repaired, they entrusted The Conservation Center with the delicate task of conserving the Bust of Venus.
Bust of Venus, before treatment
The unfortunate damage occurred during its transfer to our client, leaving the bust broken into two sections. The complexities of the damage were apparent: a break through the neck with small chip losses along the break edge. The statue was separated from the turned marble base, and there was a brass pin on the base that appeared to be a replacement, which was inappropriate for this type of sculpture and was no longer effective in supporting the bust. There was also other evidence of previous repair work, with overpainting around the nose and surrounding area, that would not be addressed during treatment. Small chip losses were notable at the base's edge, and a layer of moderate grime covered the surface.
Detail of brass pin on base of Bust of Venus
Detail of break areas on neck of Bust of Venus
The conservation process involved meticulous steps to revive the bust to its former glory. A non-ionic detergent was delicately used to clean the surface, removing the accumulated grime layer and prepping the surface for adhesives. The head was then carefully reattached at the neck using a reversible conservation adhesive. The repaired bust was then reattached to the base using a new stainless steel pin and reversible conservation adhesives, ensuring structural integrity.
Bust of Venus, after treatment under raking light
Josh McCauley, Senior Conservator of Objects and Frames, who performed the conservation of Bust of Venus, shared his thoughts on this conservation: "Adhering large sections of stone can be very challenging. The weight of the material requires special planning before the sections can be adhered into final position. Many times, custom supports must be created to support the sections. I try to let gravity be my friend in these situations and position the break lines in a resting horizontal orientation. A correct orientation prevents the sections from moving during adhesion cure times and gravity acts as a natural clamping system."
Bust of Venus, after treatment
Bust of Venus, after treatment
Meticulous attention to detail was extended to filling and inpainting the small losses at the break edge to blend with the surrounding area seamlessly, preserving the bust's aesthetic appeal while retaining its authenticity. Expressing gratitude for the conservation work, our client remarked, "I was extremely impressed with the work at The Conservation Center and, of course, think of The Center whenever there is a conservation need." The conservation of the Bust of Venus is a testament to conservation professionals' dedication and expertise, honoring the past and ensuring its enduring presence in the future.
Bust of Venus, after treatment
Bust of Venus, after treatment, verso
