A Characterisation Study on Modern Bronze Sculpture: The Artistic Patinas of Nado Canuti

Artistic patination is a traditional colouring technique for metal sculpture, employed by artists in ancient and modern times for aesthetic purposes. Today, knowledge of the artistic value and the chemistry of this superficial chromatic layer, called ‘artistic patina’, can be successfully acquired through a close collaboration between living artists, foundry artisans, and scientists. Starting from several interviews with the Italian artist Nado Canuti and foundry artisans, specific information was gathered about patination methods and the artist’s attitude towards materials restoration. Afterwards, the patinas most used by Canuti were reproduced to study their nature before any ageing or degradation. Their chromatic values, morphologies, and compositions were studied employing a range of techniques such as colour measurements, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and micro-Raman spectroscopy. The collected data revealed the formation of main compounds (cuprite, cassiterite, rouaite, chalcocite, isocubanite, and ferroxyhite) and additional compounds (atacamite and CN-containing compound). The scientific results, as well as the artist’s statements concerning the patinas’ significance, maintenance, and conservation, will contribute towards the future care and preservation of Canuti’s sculptures.