|
Figure of Osiris, 37.1375Ea-b
Date: 4th century BCE or later Artist: Unknown Materials: wood, gold leaf, copper-alloy, polychromy, gesso Dimensions (HxWxD, inches): 9 x 2 1/2 x 1 7/16 Institution/Owner: Brooklyn Museum of Art Key Treatment Steps & Analysis
|
Summary
This wooden Osiris figurine was selected for display in the traveling exhibit To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum. The object was acquired by the Brooklyn Museum in the early 1900's and had no existing condition documentation. Archival records from a 1919 catalogue were found, which briefly described the object and some details on the condition at the time. These records, along with visual examination, portable x-ray fluorescence, and multispectral imaging were used to prepare condition documentation and characterize materials present.
Multispectral imaging assisted in the characterization of materials present. Visible induced luminescence revealed traces of Egyptian blue pigment in small areas on the face, outlining the eyes, eyebrows, and proper right jaw. Ultraviolet reflectance imaging revealed difference between the two inlaid eyes. This observation was consistent with the archival records, which reported that one eye is glass and the other is ivory, with paste applied to create the pupil. The glass eye is believed to be a repair. pXRF was used to analyze the uraeus (the cobra extending from the figure's forehead) and was found to be comprised of copper with trace amounts of lead.
The object was in fair condition overall, but required stabilization of the gilding layers in order to prepare it for travel. A yellowish/green coating was observed on exposed wooden surfaces. Upon closer examination and cross referencing with archival records, this was determined to be residual paraffin from a 1918 treatment. The wax coating was removed using cotton swabs dampened with Stoddard's Solvent. Unstable gilding and ground layers were consolidated by wicking 1% Aquazol 200 in 1:1 deionized water:ethanol underneath.
This wooden Osiris figurine was selected for display in the traveling exhibit To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum. The object was acquired by the Brooklyn Museum in the early 1900's and had no existing condition documentation. Archival records from a 1919 catalogue were found, which briefly described the object and some details on the condition at the time. These records, along with visual examination, portable x-ray fluorescence, and multispectral imaging were used to prepare condition documentation and characterize materials present.
Multispectral imaging assisted in the characterization of materials present. Visible induced luminescence revealed traces of Egyptian blue pigment in small areas on the face, outlining the eyes, eyebrows, and proper right jaw. Ultraviolet reflectance imaging revealed difference between the two inlaid eyes. This observation was consistent with the archival records, which reported that one eye is glass and the other is ivory, with paste applied to create the pupil. The glass eye is believed to be a repair. pXRF was used to analyze the uraeus (the cobra extending from the figure's forehead) and was found to be comprised of copper with trace amounts of lead.
The object was in fair condition overall, but required stabilization of the gilding layers in order to prepare it for travel. A yellowish/green coating was observed on exposed wooden surfaces. Upon closer examination and cross referencing with archival records, this was determined to be residual paraffin from a 1918 treatment. The wax coating was removed using cotton swabs dampened with Stoddard's Solvent. Unstable gilding and ground layers were consolidated by wicking 1% Aquazol 200 in 1:1 deionized water:ethanol underneath.
Treatment Images
Click on an image below to enlarge and view description.
Click on an image below to enlarge and view description.
