A technical study of Jean Dubuffet’s “Gossiper II”, a painted outdoor sculpture at the Nasher Sculpture Center of a figure seated in a chair, was undertaken in order to characterize the artists’ materials and technique. Various analytical techniques were employed, including gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry. The results revealed the sculpture was cast in epoxy, covered with a vinyl primer layer and finished with polyurethane paints. Localized exudation and slight sagging of the figure was due to incomplete curing of the epoxy casting resin. Flaking of paint from the back of the chair was caused by residual mold release agent applied during the casting process.
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