Date of Award
9-2024
Access Control
Open Access
Degree Name
Art Conservation, M.A., C.A.S.
Department
Art Conservation Department
Advisor
Emily Hamilton
Department Home page
https://artconservation.buffalostate.edu/
First Reader
Dr. Aaron Shugar
Second Reader
Jiuan Jiuan Chen
Third Reader
Dr. Rebecca Ploeger
Abstract
ABCDEFG & Hi (1961-62) and Father Damien (1966-67) are both painted wooden sculptures created by Marisol during the height of her fame. Although Marisol is a well-known artist, whose fame has been rekindling since her death in 2016, there have been few technical studies of her works. Multimodal imaging and scientific analysis of these two sculptures provide insight into their structure and materials. Techniques include x-ray radiography, reflectance transformation imaging, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Key findings include the identification of toolmarks, nitrocellulose, alkyd, and acrylic paints, and a genuine diamond and pearl in ABCDEFG & Hi.
In addition to technical study, the sculptures required conservation treatment. The main condition concerns in common were the loss of original elements, crucial to the reading of the works: Father Damien’s hand and ABCDEFG & Hi’s original umbrella were both missing. The hand required replication and the umbrella needed replacement with a fitting substitution. Working with the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, this meaningful research and treatment was prompted by a traveling retrospective of Marisol’s work from October 2023-July 2025.
Recommended Citation
Rolfsmeyer, Ruthie. 2023. The Conservation Treatment and Technical Study of Two Marisol Sculptures. Master's diss., Buffalo State University, Buffalo, NY.
Included in
Analytical Chemistry Commons, Art and Materials Conservation Commons, Art Practice Commons, Contemporary Art Commons, Hawaiian Studies Commons, History of the Pacific Islands Commons, Inorganic Chemistry Commons, Modern Art and Architecture Commons, Organic Chemistry Commons, Polymer Chemistry Commons, Sculpture Commons, Women's History Commons
