The Mountain Man, designed 1903, cast about 1907–1909
Frederic Remington (American, 1861–1909)
Bronze
Gift of Mrs. Henry Fitzhugh, Jr. 1983.13

ADOPTED

We’d love to install this sculpture in the galleries! Unfortunately, it’s not looking as good as it could…and should. There is a thick, black coating over the entire surface of the bronze. Testing revealed it to be pigmented wax, but it causes a matte, unsaturated appearance, resulting in loss of much of the detail on the original design. This wax coating was probably applied at one time to improve the appearance of a worn or abraded patina. Cleaning tests revealed a greenish-black patina in one area, and a warm brown patina in another location. Other areas have a copper-bronze appearance. A thin layer of dust and greasy grime clings to the entire surface of the sculpture.

A comprehensive treatment includes the removal of this discolored, aged wax coating. The conservators will confer with the curator regarding the desired appearance. A thin, protective wax coating will be applied, which could possibly include a wash of color, if it’s determined to be necessary in order to resolve old areas of abrasion.