Search

The article discusses the conservation of the Asian amber collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MMA) in New York City, focusing on the use of the hydrogenated hydrocarbon resin Regalrez 1126 as a consolidant and adhesive. Topics include a discussion of the superior condition of true amber compared to copal and the composite material pressed amber in the MMA collection; the need for conservation treatments not to interfere with provenance studies using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) or pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; and the effects of solvent on amber and copal.

The article reports on the examination of three carved wooden statues within the holdings of the National Museum of Ireland which were found in Fethard, Ireland and represent Christ on Calvary, God the Father, and St John the Baptist. Details are given describing the nation's historical practice of each church having statues for the Crucifixion, the Virgin Mary and their patron saint; the results of the examination of the three statues; and notes on the limited provenance information recorded for the works.