Attachment_11 _Condition_Assessment.pdf

PLASTER WORKING MODEL OF “STANDING LINCOLN” SCULPTURE BY AUGUSTUS SAINT GAUDENS

PROJECT TO CONSERVE PLASTER, FABRICATE MOLDS AND CAST REPRODUCTION BRONZE SCULPTURE

Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site Cornish, New Hampshire

SCOPE OF WORK

CONDITION ASSESSMENT AND IMAGES

SAGA #9258 “Standing Lincoln” Plaster Working Model, 1965

This information and photographs were observed on February 20, 2009 during a site visit to the Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site. At that time, the plaster was uncrated with the assistance of the

Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site staff.

The Standing Lincoln plaster cast was created as a working model to recast the sculpture for the Mexico City bronze made in 1966. The origin of this plaster is not certain. It may have been cast from a mold which was made from the bronze monument at Lincoln Park, Chicago which was erected in 1887. These plaster casts are comprised of 21 separately cast parts and 3 fragments. The parts are itemized in the attached condition report. Since these separate pieces were made to be used as models, and to be molded to cast wax positives in preparation for a bronze, they were never actually designed to be assembled in total. There is no significant internal reinforcement of metal tubes or bars which would enable the plaster parts to be assembled and support its own weight as a whole.

The quality of the plaster is inherently weak and is in fair condition due to the type of gypsum used, the effects of time, the methods of packing and storage as well as damage which most probably occurred during the molding process. Some parts such as one claw foot from the chair leg, the proper right foot from the figure and a section of drapery are fragmented and detached from their original parts. The overall surface on all the pieces is dirty and there are many minor chips, losses, and cracks. There are remnants of a thin layer of clear shellac throughout the surface, which was probably used as a sealer for molding purposes. There are many areas that show more significant losses of form due to damage. Some areas of pitting and erosion are evident due to water damage.

There is, however, enough of the original surface intact to complete a successful conservation of this plaster. The best use of the plasters would be to be used as a model for molds and a reproduction as was their original intent.

Head and shoulders Minor chips and losses throughout the surface.

Significant losses of form at two ends of the bowtie.

Losses of form at the right proper eyebrow.

Losses of form at the ends of both collars.

Multiple cracks are visible throughout the hair.

Many losses along the bottom joint, with frayed and exposed burlap.

Loss of detail at the back of the hair.

Structure compromised due to fractures at back of proper left shoulder.

Lack of internal reinforcement (with exception of one rebar burlapped to the inner neck.)

Vertical crack through the proper right collar.

Middle torso

One crossed internal wood support exists.

Major losses at the bottom seam.

The proper right side of the coat is missing buttons.

Structure is compromised due to a horizontal crack at the proper right top of the arm.

Crack in the proper right arm pit.

Damage and losses at the proper left thumb.

Sections of the ends of the coat are missing on both sides.

The knuckles are damaged on the proper left hand.

The metal reinforcement inside the pocket watch chain has many areas of rust that is leaching through the plaster.

Right Leg There are minor chips and losses throughout the surface.

There are major fractures and losses at the front of the coat, and a piece remains detached.

There is little internal support.

The proper right foot is fragmented and detached.

Left Leg

There is a fracture at the proper left toe.

There is a major fracture at the back of the coat.

The structure is compromised due to a horizontal crack below the knees.

There is little metal reinforcement on the inside of the cast.

Base section with figure footprint joints

Minor chips and losses throughout the surface.

Structure of this cast is compromised due to a fracture at center.

The inside is reinforced with galvanized pipe and 5/8” rebar which is rusting.

There is a loss of detail on the horizontal band of molding and at Saint-

Gaudens signature.

Base section below chair – proper left side

Fracture at the corner, cracked all the way through the cast.

Base section between chair and figure

The structure is compromised due to many fractures.

Water damage along the bottom molding.

Base section below chair – proper right side

Significant losses on its bottom edge, with exposed and frayed burlap.

Structure is good.

Joints for the chair legs are imprinted on its top surface.

Chair Backrest - Consisting of One Piece

Structure is compromised due to multiple cracks throughout.

Significant losses of form and detail along the bottom edge, including at the talons of the eagle.

The structure is compromised due to a horizontal fracture which extends its entire length.

The entire back plane of the chair backrest was fabricated directly with cardboard and a thin layer of plaster.

Backrest support – middle

Structure is compromised due to a major vertical fracture from top to bottom.

Chair Seat

There are minor chips and losses throughout the surface.

Structure is compromised due to several f

2 Legs for chair backrest

Front of Chair, front side

Front Apron of Chair

Minor chips and losses throughout the surface.

A significant loss at the scroll.

Water damage at the top edge.

Back of Chair, front side

Back Apron of Chair

Minor chips and losses throughout the surface.

Structure is compromised due to a vertical crack at its center.

Water damage along the bottom edge.

Side #2 of Chair, Front side

Side #1 of Chair, Front side

Side Ornament #1 – Apron of Chair

There is water damage along the outside edge.

There is a significant loss at the center pinecone ornament.

Side Ornament #2 – Apron of Chair

There are additional losses of detail on the front surface.

Leg #1 (three views)

Significant losses at the scroll work.

Horizontal crack in the ankle.

Significant losses at the outside of the toe.

Leg #2 (two views)

Loss at the back of the scroll.

Major loss at the toe.

Water damage exists on the back surface and at the bottom

Leg #4 (two views)

Minor chips and losses throughout the surface.

Significant losses at the toe.

Leg #3 (three views)

There are minor chips and losses throughout the surface.

It is fractured at the ankle extending halfway up the leg – the claw foot is detached.