I purchased this a couple/few months ago maybe because it was cheap. You'll find that to be the common denominator with all my finds. It is signed Duchelles. Anyway, it looked to me like it had a few condition problems. Appears it may have been gilded at one time and someone polished most of it off maybe over the years? I have seen other examples of this bust that are. There is no green or corroded areas, just those white areas here and there. Should I just put some Renaissance Wax on it and be done? Also, I noticed I heard some slag inside that is loose. Is this very common or is it a deterring factor when reselling? What are your thoughts on the condition of this bust? I'm more concerned with listing it properly condition-wise. It's not in my regular wheelhouse. Thanks in advance and here are some pics...
Can't answer your questions, but it is Raphael: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/58700002_bronze-bust-of-raphael
The metal may be an alloy containing zinc and/or lead, both of which can yield white corrosion products. Alternatively, the white deposits may be a residue of polishing compound left over from the vigorous attempts to shine the poor fellow. I have often seen accumulations of polish left in engravings and the nooks and crannies of sculptures. Careful use of a toothpick (something softer than the metal, to avoid scratches) might help you get a feel for what the white material is. Corrosion will be more tenacious that old polish.
Different foundry? Think these are labels more than signatures, put there by the foundry rather than the artist.
I've taken a toothpick to it, museum wax, looked at it under different magnifications and the white areas are still a mystery. I'm familiar with zinc pest and it doesn't seem to be that. The white doesn't go anywhere or show any signs of powdering. If it's old polishing compound, I don't know how to remove it, without getting aggresive. Which I don't want to do.
Hi, Spray it warm water and try a soft bristle brush dipped in white vinegar then spray with warm water again and dry it with a towel. greg