Wood unidentified. Dimensions: Height: 23 1/2 inches (59.69cm);
Width: 10 inches (25.40 cm); depth: 6 inches (8.54cm).
Object Condition:
The external surface of the object suffered from large areas of wood
loss from insect damage, most notably on the crown of the head, the back, the shoulder of
the child and around the base. The surface is covered with numerous flight holes. The
internal structure of the wood was extremely friable and honeycombed from the extensive
insect damage causing some areas to be spongy to the touch and some areas completely
desiccated leading to further minor losses in handling.
The polychrome surface seemed stable and no active flaking of the paint was noted. The
consolidation from a previous treatment (see attached) appeared secure and stable.
Treatment Summary:
Complete immersion was decided against in order to avoid the darkening visual changes
to the painted surface. After each of the above treatment the sculpture was placed in a
vacuum chamber and subjected to a mild (4 inches of water) vacuum to pull the consolidant
into the interior as much as possible (approx. 1 hour per treatment). A final treatment of
20% solution of B-72 was brushed onto the exposed areas. A 2% addition of Cabosil was
added to prevent any chance of the B-72 creating a gloss effect on the surface.
B-72 was also used as the adhesive (50% solution; 65%acetone/35% ethanol. <1% cabosil)
to secure the P-R arm of the Madonna as well as other areas of loss around the P-L
shoulder created during handling (see photos). Approximately 150-200 grams of B-72 solids
were introduced into the sculpture.
A small amount of Permafill (a cellulose-based compound) was used as fill material around
the areas of loss created during handling and were inpainted with acrylics. The areas
around the exposed damaged wood showed signs of wicking (see pre-treatment photos) from
the previous treatment. The addition of more consolidant slightly darken these areas and
water colors were used to minimize the visual appearance of the natural wicking process.