Zprávy památkové péče 2016, 76(4):402-406

Some remarks on the issue of creating substitute stone sculpture works in the Czech environment

Petr Gláser

The short article provides some practical remarks on the issue of creating substitute stone sculpture works in the Czech conservation environment. The frequently discussed topic is seen in this text from the position of restorer for a change, largely limiting itself to the creation of copies from natural stone and facsimiles (true copies of sculpture) from cast stone.
The author focuses on a limited part of the Czech Heritage Fund and deals with the lifespan of the stone, the causes of its disintegration, and several other factors that adversely affect the resistance of the stone sculpture works. The importance of the story of the artwork is also highlighted.
Using specific examples, the author also outlines important specific features of cast stone and facsimilies, marginally addresses the issue of placing the original work in a lapidary, eventually reaching a description of the current practice where, when deciding to use the cast stone copy or facsimile, the non-conservationist view is increasingly applied over the needs of the profession.

Keywords: stone sculpture works; copy; facsimile; cast stone copy; the story of a work; original; lapidary; sandstone

Published: December 1, 2016  Show citation