JAIC 1995, Volume 34, Number 2, Article 3 (pp. 113 to 127)
JAIC online
Journal of the American Institute for Conservation
JAIC 1995, Volume 34, Number 2, Article 3 (pp. 113 to 127)

INTERPRETATION OF ANCIENT ARTISTRY: CONSERVATION OF A GOLD WREATH FROM THE FOURTH CENTURY B.C.

JEFFREY P. MAISH


ABSTRACT—The treatment of a Greek/Macedonian gold wreath from the fourth century B.C. brought forth many of the issues confronted by conservators of ancient materials. Different philosophical tenets influence current approaches to a particular treatment. The re-establishment of an understanding of intent for the ancient wreath rests on information offered by an external archaeological/art historical context, including purpose, context, parallels, and history, and more internal artifactual contex, including authenticity, level of completion, technical features, and logic or aesthetic. The process of technical and condition documentation helped clarify several issues and concerns in the course of treatment.

Article Sections:

1. INTRODUCTION
2. ART HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS
3. INFORMATION OFFERED BY THE ARTIFACT
4. TREATMENT
5. CONCLUSIONS
a: Materials , References , Author Information
Entire Article

Copyright � 1995 American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works