The Process
Detailed archival information on these sculptures, very often including the date of casting and the foundry name, allows us to identify the unique metal formulation used at a given foundry and to document changes to alloy composition over time. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) is the preferred tool for determining the major element composition of metal alloys, which is namely copper with variable amounts of zinc and tin.
The Impact
By comparing the data with the bronze sculptures previously analyzed at the Smart Museum of Art at the University of Chicago, we expect to gain a better sense of casting practices inside the major Parisian foundries. Particular attention is given to the Rudier foundry in this study. Under the supervision of Alexis and Eugène, and later, George, bronze sculptures cast at this foundry appear to be characterized by an extremely consistent metal composition throughout almost a century of activity.