SharraGrow.doc

Grow, ANAGPIC 2009,  PAGE 35 PAGE  PAGE 35 Sharra Grow Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation When New and Improved Becomes Outdated and Degraded: The Technical Study and Treatment of a 1964 Pop Art Painted Collage Sharra Grow Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation When New and Improved Becomes Outdated and Degraded: The Technical Study and Treatment of a 1964 Pop Art Painted Collage ABSTRACT A painted collage by New York Pop artist Marion Greenstone, entitled Spoonk (1964), was recently given to the Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University, New Jersey. This gift was accepted on the condition that the damaged collage would be treated by a graduate student in the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation. Before treatment began, technical analysis methods including visual examination, polarized light microscopy, x-ray fluorescence, cross-sectional microscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry were conducted in order to better understand the condition of the various components of the artwork. Many colorants, binders, and fillers in the paints and paper elements were identified. Some compounds which are likely products of degradation were also identified. The information gained from the analysis aided in the development of a treatment plan for this painting, which was completed successfully, and it is believed that the results of this study will also be a useful addition to currently available information on Greenstone’s materials and working methods as well as those of her contemporaries. Fig. 1. Spoonk (1964) by Marion Greenstone I. INTRODUCTION A. Background Information Historical Context of the Artist and Artwork Marion Greenstone (1925-2005) was born in New York City. After discovering her artistic talent through an evening art class, Marion trained as an a