THE CONSERVATION OF ARP’S BRONZES: PRESERVING THE SCULPTURE’S HISTORY OR THE ARTIST’S INTENT?

Abstract

The appearance of Jean Arp’s bronze and brass cast sculptures varies. Some have no chemical patina: the untreated metal surface is reflective to varying degrees. Other casts have a brown chemical patination. Moreover, different casts of the same sculpture may exist with different finishes. What is the origin of these variations? Were they intended by the artist? These questions, hitherto unanswered, directly affect decisions on how to conserve these artworks. This paper summarizes research into the factors that determined the appearance of Arp’s bronzes. By reconstructing the artist’s working methods and examining many extant surfaces, it is concluded that only some of them currently present the artist’s intent. A number of them result from the aesthetic tastes of certain art dealers and collectors and, to a lesser extent, lack of information during previous restorations. Because these factors are integral to the history of the artworks, the findings present difficult choices for their care and maintenance.