The study, conservation and restoration of the Obstetrics Teaching Charts, unique pieces from the Casa Hermes Foundation collection that combine science, pedagogy and art, created by Madrid sculptor Enrique Zofío Dávila (c. 1835–1915), is ongoing.
The work is being carried out on two complementary fronts:
🔍 the material and technical study, which included X-rays of the first paintings, allowing for a deeper understanding of the construction techniques and revealing remarkable details, such as the use of glass spheres in the execution of the sculptures’ eyes;
🎨 and the start of conservation and restoration work, with photographic documentation and initial cleaning tests.
This project is supported by Krest Investments, whom we thank for their fundamental contribution to the preservation and enhancement of this scientific and cultural heritage.
🤍 We would like to thank all the institutions and the team involved in this study and restoration, whose scientific rigour, technical knowledge and dedication make it possible to care for and preserve these works.
Institutions:
Archeofactu · Bureau Veritas · NOVA FCSH Institute of Art History · LIBPhys-UNL · RELACRE – Association of Accredited Laboratories of Portugal.
Team: Bento Ottone Alves · David Karim · Isabel Tissot · Maria João Petisca · Marta Manso
Team:
Bento Ottone Alves · David Karim · Isabel Tissot · Maria João Petisca · Marta Manso
The Casa Hermes Foundation thus reaffirms its commitment to promoting heritage, giving visibility to processes that often take place far from the public eye — but which are essential for the future of these works.