THE MALADIES OF MILL-PRODUCED METAL IN MODERN ART

doi:10.1179/SIC.2004.49.S2.015

Paper

THE MALADIES OF MILL-PRODUCED METAL IN MODERN ART

Published Sep 1, 2004 · Eleonora E. Nagy

Studies in Conservation

Q1 SJR score

2

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0

Influential Citations

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Abstract

Abstract The fragile surfaces of uncoated, polished, modern metal sculptures have not been properly considered by conservators. Besides fingerprints, corrosion and tarnishing, an additional array of unusual and disfiguring mark appears on the surfaces of sculptures made of copper alloys, stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum and other non-ferrous metal alloys. Although this phenomenon has often been linked to packing materials in contact with the sculptures, this paper argues that the origin of these disfiguring patterns should also be looked for in the industrial processing of the metals, and more specifically in the lubricants, Oils, waxes and silicones applied during production. The author hypothesizes that an extremely thin, unevenly applied coat of various compounds exists on these mill-produced and fabricated surfaces. This coating, initially invisible, is a major cause of the disfiguring patterns which, with time, render many Minimalist and contemporary sculptures unexhibitable. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness of a subject that has been over-looked in the care of modern sculpture: the surface vulnerability and continuing deterioration of contemporary metal sculpture.

Study Snapshot

Modern metal sculptures' fragile surfaces are vulnerable to surface deterioration due to the thin, unevenly applied coating of lubricants, oils, waxes, and silicones during production.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

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THE MALADIES OF MILL-PRODUCED METAL IN MODERN ART

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References

Correlation between grain boundary faceting–defaceting transition and change of grain boundary properties with temperature

Grain boundary faceting-defaceting transition is linked to changes in temperature dependence of grain boundary properties, suggesting a correlation between the two processes.

Citations

Aluminum: History, Technology, and Conservation

The 2014 "Aluminum: History, Technology, and Conservation" conference explored the history, technology, and conservation strategies for aluminum objects, ranging from sculpture to aircraft, from nineteenth-century jewelry to underwater archaeological objects.

Disfiguring organic residues on industrially produced sheet metal coupons simulating copper and brass works of art by Donald Judd: Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and treatment recommendations

Disfiguring organic residues from initial processing and fabrication of Donald Judd's copper and brass artworks can be removed using specific solvents, preserving the original surface without removing the artwork's integrity.