You are are warmly invited to two free events taking place as part of the Bernini’s Bronzes Project. These events are presented by the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation with the generous support of the University of Melbourne – University of Toronto Joint Research Program:
Lecture: The Technical Study of Bernini’s Bronzes: Art History, Conservation, Material Science
Evonne Levy (University of Toronto), Lisa Ellis (Art Gallery of Ontario) and Jane Bassett (J. Paul Getty Museum)
Of all the works produced by the Italian sculptor and architect Gianlorenzo Bernini (1598-1680), the bronzes that were cast from his models are undoubtedly the most neglected by art historians. Unsurprisingly, this disinterest extends into the museum and conservation science, with only a handful of technical studies of his bronzes having been undertaken to date. This neglect can be partially attributed to deep-seated modernist myths of the artist-genius and the high value it ascribed to the unique original work of art touched by the hand of the master. This project valorises two aspects of Bernini’s bronze production – the creative labour of the founders and the production of multiples. Through its technical studies the project promises to arrive at a new narrative of the layered authorship of these outstanding works of art.
6pm Mon 25 July, Fritz Loewe Theatre, The University of Melbourne (Parkville) – For full details and bookings see: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-introduction-to-the-berninis-bronzes-project-tickets-375817780097
Bernini’s Bronze Master Classes
11am – 5pm Sat 30 July, Grimwade Centre, The University of Melbourne (Parkville) – For full details and bookings see: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/berninis-bronze-master-classes-tickets-377033486307
The use of X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) in the study of Cultural Heritage
Aaron Shugar (State University of New York Buffalo State & University of Toronto) and Branden Rizzuto (University of Toronto) both via Zoom
Technical imaging of bronze sculpture: the use of 3D scanning in the comparison of multiples
Jane Bassett (J. Paul Getty Museum)
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) as a compliment to XRF alloy analysis in the Bernini’s Bronzes project
David Bougarit (Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France) presented by Jane Bassett
Exploring the unseen with radiography and endoscopy
Lisa Ellis (Art Gallery of Ontario)
The investigation of core material: Thin-section petrography, micro-CT scanning, and 3D image analysis
Chandra Reedy (University of Delaware) via video recording
Summary of the technical study of Bernini’s bronzes at the National Gallery of Victoria
Evonne Levy (University of Toronto), Lisa Ellis (Art Gallery of Ontario) and Jane Bassett (J. Paul Getty Museum)
Panel Discussion
Evonne Levy, Lisa Ellis, and Jane Bassett will be joined by world renowned metals conservator Dr Ian MacLeod, Rennaissance art historian Prof. Jaynie Anderson (University of Melbourne), archaeometallurgist Dr Chris Davey (University of Melbourne) and International Art curator at NGV, Laurie Benson to discuss aspects around the materiality and authorship of Bernini’s Bronzes. The session will be moderated by the Grimwade Centre’s Dr Jonathan Kemp.
