Event: Restoring Ancient Bronzes in the Nineteenth Century

Thanks to David Saunders for sending news of an upcoming event at the Getty Villa:

 Restoring Ancient Bronzes in the Nineteenth Century

Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Apollo from Pompeii: Investigating an Ancient Bronze on view through September 12, 2011 at the Getty Villa, this one-day program considers the wider context of bronze restorations in the nineteenth century, utilizing both archival research and technical analysis. With the Apollo Saettante as a starting point, restoration work in Naples will be of primary interest, but speakers will also consider comparable activities throughout Italy and elsewhere in Europe.

Key themes include methods and materials used; approaches to ancient surfaces and re-patination; the development of technical knowledge; the role of modern bronze foundries and industrial production; and individual restorers and their working relationships.

Confirmed speakers:

• Sophie Descamps, Musée du Louvre, Paris, France
• Lucia Fucito, Fonderia Chiurazzi, Naples, Italy
• Seán Hemingway, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York
• Henry Lie, Straus Center for Conservation and Technical Studies, Harvard Art Museum, Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Carol C. Mattusch, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
• Luigia Melillo, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, Naples, Italy
• Erik Risser, J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
• David Saunders, J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
• Salvatore Siano, Istituto di Fisica Applicata Nello Carrara, Florence, Italy

Date: Friday, May 6, 2011
Time: 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. with reception to follow
Location: Getty Villa, North Campus Meeting Rooms
Registration: Free; preregistration is required and seating is limited. Please e-mail villaprograms@getty.edu by Monday, May 2. 

See here for the schedule and additional information.