Copper and Bronze in Art

By David A. Scott

Subjects: Conservation and restoration, Corrosion, Bronzes, Copper, Copperwork

Description: In this book, the author discusses the various environmental conditions to which copper alloy objects may be exposed and the methods used to conserve them. Included is information on ancient and historical technologies, the nature of patina as it pertains to copper and bronze, and the use of copper corrosion materials as pigments. Chapters are organized primarily by chemical corrosion products and include topics such as early technologies, copper chlorides and bronze disease, the chemistry and history of turquoise, Egyptian blue and other synthetic copper silicates, the organic salts of copper in bronze corrosion, and aspects of bronze patinas. A detailed survey of conservation treatments for bronze objects is also provided. Four appendixes cover copper and bronze chemistry, replication experiments for early pigment recipes, a list of copper minerals and corrosion products, and X-ray diffraction studies.