A Closer Look at a Polychromed Bronze Statue of Osiris from the Basement of the Egyptian Museum, Cairo

Abstract

A polychromed hollow-cast bronze statue, missing its head and feet, is the object of our study and intervention.
It is part of the large collection of bronze statues depicting the god Osiris in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Until
recently, it was stored in the basement, where it had been placed since it was recovered from excavations, the
trace of which has been lost. Until now, no work had been done on it. This article describes the interventions
that we carried out on it. The surface of the statue was investigated to get information about the metal, the
decorative materials, the corrosion, and the deposit accumulations on its surface. Various analyses were carried
out to help identify the type of patina and alterations caused by burial. Digital light microscope, X-ray radiography, X-ray fluorescence, and X-ray diffraction were used to identify the components, providing a better understanding of the object’s deterioration and its interaction with its environment. The results of the non-invasive, non-destructive investigation methods, as well as the data from previous studies were used to create a
conservation action plan. Alongside the analyses and studies, mechanical cleaning was carried out, removing
the dirt and corrosion with the help of different tools such as micro-motors, scalpels, and ultrasonic pen. Hidden characteristics and remains of polychromy were uncovered. We also detected the remains of gold, Egyptian blue and lapis lazuli, materials used to decorate the statue. A final cleaning of the surface was carried out by using an “Nd:YAG” laser.