MCI Project Summaries 2008 - Smithsonian Institution

MCI 6231 Sculpture: Hand to Mouth by Bruce Nauman
MCI Staff: Jia-sun Tsang, Jennifer Giaccai, Mel J. Wachowiak, Judy Watson, Nicole C. Little
This project aimed to identify the chemical compositions of the wax and to provide
technical support to HMSG conservation staff. This wax sculpture, From Hand to Mouth, is cast
from the human figure. The lip and neck are positioned diagonally from the arm and hand. The
whole casting is supported on the reverse by a layer of woven fabric strips and a single hook
intended for hanging. A secondary hanging loop was placed in 1994 to safeguard the sculpture
during display.
The condition of the sculpture had been well documented by the HMSG conservation
staff, including prior microscopy and FTIR analysis. There have been concerns over the years
about this sculpture. They are 1) structural stability (the sagging head was noted in 1994); 2) the
soft tacky wax surface, which is easily dented and imprinted; and 3) the possible light-induced
fading of the original colors.
Light microscopy, melting point, SEM and SEM-EDS, ATR-FTIR and XRD were all
used to gather further information about the composition of the wax used in the sculpture.
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