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Ranging in date from the late Roman period to the early nineteenth century, the four works of art discussed in this issue of met objectives all were acquired by the Museum more than fifty years ago, and until recently each presented serious problems related to physical and chemical stability, or elicited concerns regarding authenticity and integrity. Characterization of manufacturing techniques and the systematic study of alterations introduced during multiple restorations allowed a monumental Roman bronze and a fragment of wall paneling from an American colonial interior to be recognized as authentic works, and in the case of the latter could be used to confirm its provenience. A medieval basse taille enamel processional cross, described as being in deplorable condition already in an early-twentieth century exhibition catalogue, and the reverse-painted glass panels from an American sideboard, both suffer from glass disease as well as the ill-effects of inappropriate or ineffectual interventions. These works are discussed here in terms of damages they have sustained and the strategies implemented to ensure their preservation.
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Examination of a Third-century Roman Bronze
In 1905 the Metropolitan Museum acquired a monumental bronze statue identified as the Roman emperor Trebonianus Gallus (r. 251–253). According to an article appearing that same year in the inaugural issue of the Museum's Bulletin, the statue was discovered in Rome near the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano in the early nineteenth century, and subsequently was in the possession of four different owners. Continue
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Reverse-glass Paintings on an American Sideboard
Reverse painting on glass became popular in Federal America and was practiced mainly by foreign-born artists in Boston, Salem, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. For example, "Walker and Chandless, Painters, in General, from Dublin and London," advertised "Painting on Glass and Transparent Painting" in the Maryland Gazette in 1790. Continue
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Basse Taille Enamel
An Italian, late-medieval processional cross in the collection of the Department of Medieval Art is one of several related works that have not been exhibited for as long as five decades, largely because their basse taille enamel decoration has been severely affected by glass disease and other forms of deterioration. In order to identify the specific causes of decay and to establish safe methods for the treatment and preservation of these fragile works, a research project was designed, also with the hope that they can be safely displayed in the future. Continue
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Hudson Valley Wall Paneling
Earlier this year the American Wing implemented a systematic program with the aim of improving the experience of visitors to its galleries. This project incorporates concerted efforts by the Museum's curatorial and conservation staff that focus particularly on existing period rooms, in order to evaluate them in terms of clarity of presentation and the authenticity of their architectural elements. Continue
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New Scientist in Charge
Marco Leona has been appointed Scientist in Charge of the Museum's newly formed Science Group and will join the Museum in January 2004. Continue
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Other Staff News
In recognition of his contributions to every aspect of the Museum's professional activities since he came to the Department of Objects Conservation in 1978, Richard E. Stone has been promoted to Senior Museum Conservator. He is the first to receive this title.
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Omission
We apologize for omitting mention of the work of David Erhardt, Senior Chemist, Smithsonian Center for Materials Reseach and Education, in "The Oddy-test revisited," met objectives, vol. 4, no. 2 (Fall, 2002). Dr. Erhardt presented the prototype of the "three-in-one" Oddy test at a Smithsonian Institution seminar in 1993.
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