Name/Title
Venus D'ItalicaEntry/Object ID
96.3.3Description
Copy of Canova's Venus D'Italica, or Venus of the Bath. White Marble Sculpture of a Female Holding a Drapery To Cover Herself. Figure stands on a flat cylindrical base with a coffer at her feet. Sculpture rests on a cloumnar, marble base.
Canova's Original Venus D'Italica Was Commissioned By the Grand Duke of Tuscany To Replace the Venus De'Medici Which Was Removed By Napoleon's Army. Canova's Was Actually an Adaptation of the Medici Venus - They Aren't identical.Collection
Historic Charleston Foundation CollectionAcquisition
Accession
96.3.Source or Donor
The Charleston MuseumAcquisition Method
TransferLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
SculptureNomenclature Class
ArtNomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication ObjectsDimensions
Height
42 inWidth
14 inDiameter
14 inDimension Notes
[height]42" __[length] __[width]14" __[depth] __[diameter]14" __[size] __[other]
Statue sits on marble pedestal:
H: 40.875"
W: 17" by 17"Location
Moved By
RedDate
April 23, 1998Notes
Until: / /Category
PermanentCondition
Notes
Cleaned By Shelley Reisman Paine in November 1997. Surface Stable At This Time, But Is Discolored By Irregularly Shaped Yellow Stains. Only Loss Is a Small Curl From the Front of Her Head. See Complete Report in FileNotes
Structure: The sculpture is made in two parts, the head and body. The stone is compact, coherent, and fine grained. The surface has a fine polish that provides a high luster to the sculpture. There are areas of loss along the perimeter of the object and base. There are no structural deformations apparent at this time.
Damage Information: A moderate layer of airborne dirt, grime, covers the surface, creating a mottled appearance. There are moderate and major accumulations of dirt, pollution and smoke residue in recesses of the design, and on the underside of the design causing the color of the stone to appear dark gray/brown. There are obvious areas of whiter surface around the calves, left writst and forearm, and chest to the back. There is minor abrasion overall. There is no apparent biological damage. There are no areas of surface deformation, accretion or insecurity at this time.Conservation
Treatment
Conservator
Shelley Reisman PaineNotes
Scope of work: Pre-treatment examination and identification: A technical examination, conducted by the conservator, will be performed to reflect aspects of manufacture and material identification to verify and augment what is currently known about the object. This examination will also include identification of post-collection deterioration, treatment or alteration. This information will be used to to design the final treatment proposal. The proposal above is an approximation of the materials and techniques needed for treatment. Curatorial collaboration is needed to define the full scope of the treatment proposal. No unneccessary measures will be taken and every effort will be made to maintain the research potential of the object. Treatment will be performed only after final examination of the object and receipt of written approval from the owner. Any alteration to the final treatment proposal and release will be discussed with the owner for approval.
Test: Perform solubility tests to determine safe an appropriate treatment materials to remove grime and accretions without harm to the stone.
Clean: The sculpture and base will be cleaned with a low suction vacuum on the surface of the object to remove loose surface debris. Surface accumulations will be removed with a gentle misting of filtered water and soft brushes. Removal of surface soil, stains, and grime will possibly be done with any of the following: a misting system, application of a .05% non-ionic detergent, application of ammonium citrate, or an ammonium bicarbonate/sodium bicarbonate solution, All residues will be removed wit pH balanced water applied with a mister, brush, swab or steam. Since the success of the treatment cannot be truly assessed until it is tested and performed, this proposal only provides for cleaning with weak solutions and mild detergents.
Compensate: Areas of loss will be filled with either tinted wax or a wax/resin filler toned to match the color of the stone.
Documentation: The condition and treatment of the object will be documented in 35mm color slides and in written reports.
Cost: 4500Relationships
Related Publications
Notes
Charlestonians Abroad Catalogue P.227-228Exhibitions
Exhibition
2Notes
Exhibit Start: 2004-06-07General Notes
Note
Notes: Note That Pedestal Is Slightly Unstable and Wobbles Is Pushed.
taken To Gibbes Museum of Art April 1999 To Be Returned July 1999. Pedestal Taken As Well But Not Used As Was Unstable on Carpet. Brass Disc Removed From Between Pedestal and Sculpture To Increase Stability. Disc Stored in File.
Status: OK
Location Details1: 1Created By
admin@catalogit.appCreate Date
April 23, 1998Updated By
sferguson@historiccharleston.orgUpdate Date
March 30, 2023