CONDITION ASSESSEMENT AND
TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
For The
EXTERIOR BAS-RELIEF
SCULPTURE PANELS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Prepared For
Roofing Resources, Inc.
608 Chadds Ford Drive
Dilworth Suite 200
Chadds Ford West
Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Prepared By
Schnabel Conservation L.L.C.
110 Kensington Avenue
Trenton, New Jersey 08618
March 5, 2012
BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................1
CONDITION ASSESSMENT .........................................................................................1
General Comments...................................................................................1
Frames and Bases.....................................................................................2
Panels by Donald De Lue .....................................................................2
Justice, South Elevation, Chestnut Street.................................2
Justice, North Elevation, Market Street......................................3
Law, South Elevation, Chestnut Street .......................................4
Law, South Elevation, Market Street ...........................................4
Panels by Edmond Amateis...............................................................5
Southern Delivery of Mail, East Elevation, Ninth Street......5
Northern Delivery of Mail, East Elevation, Ninth Street ......5
Western Delivery of Mail, East Elevation, Ninth Street .......6
Eastern Delivery of Mail, East Elevation, Ninth Street.........6
TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................7
Sculpture Panels..........................................................................................8
Frames and Bases.....................................................................................8
CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................8
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
INTRODUCTION
The Robert N.C. Nix Federal Building, located on the west side of Ninth Street between Market and
Chestnut Streets, was constructed c. 1940. Designed by architect Harry Sternfeld, The base of the
building is Milford, Connecticut pink granite while the balance of the building is Indiana limestone, with
buff brick at the secondary elevations. At the base of the building, bas-relief sculpture panels in Milford
granite flank the entry doors at the north and south elevation, and the northern- and southern-most entry
doors at the east elevation. The sculptures at both the north and south elevation, Law and Justice, were
designed by artist Donald De Lue (Photos 1 and 2).1 The four sculptures at the east elevation are all
different, and were designed by Edmond Amateis (Photos 3 and 4). They include, from south to north:
Southern Delivery of Mail, Northern Delivery of Mail, Western Delivery of Mail, and Eastern Delivery
of Mail. Each of the sculptures bears an inscription of the artist’s name.
This report presents the results of a condition assessment of the relief sculptures and recommendations
for their treatment. The assessment was performed by Lorraine Schnabel of Schnabel Conservation
L.L.C. during a site visits on February 10, 2012. The assessment was performed from grade with
binoculars, and from a ladder.
CONDITION ASSESSMENT
General Comments
Prior to visiting the site, the most recent assessment of the bas-relief sculpture panels performed by
Norton Art Conservation (NAC) in 1989 was carefully reviewed. No other historical information
regarding assessment and/or treatment of the panels subsequent to the NAC report was provided.
Each of the panels is a carved granite bas-relief sculpture with a smooth granite surround. The top, sides,
and face of the surround, including the shallow return to the carved face, was apparently originally
polished,2 and accordingly generally appears darker in color that the carved portion, though the color
contrast varies, sometimes significantly, from sculpture to sculpture. The surface of the carved granite of
all the panels is smooth, but not polished; there is a distinct texture to the carved surfaces that provides
sufficient relief to hold particulate dirt.
The primary condition of all the panels is soiling, the extent and color of which varies by location.
Orange discoloration and streaking are common, and are likely from alteration of particulate dirt
deposited on the surfaces, but may also be from deterioration of the mica in the granite. Green and black
streaking and discoloration were also observed, typically following the pattern of water accumulation and
flow over the sculpture surfaces. Accumulation of dirt is typical and significant on upward-facing
surfaces, but dirt also accumulates in crevices and even on elements with a reverse slope. Patterns of
variable coloration were noted on vertical faces next to upward-facing surfaces; these represent
weathering of the vertical faces.
The NAC report makes frequent mention of remnants of glossy resin residues on the surfaces of various
sculptures and surrounds. The only place such material was observed was on the surround and frame of
Southern Delivery of Mail; all other traces of the resinous material appear to be gone. No new large-scale
1
All photos follow the text at the end of the report. All photos taken by Lorraine Schnabel, Schnabel Conservation
L.L.C.
2 Virginia N. Naude, Norton Art Conservation, Robert N.C. Nix Sr. Federal Building, Philadelphia, Stone Sculpture
Condition Evaluation and Treatment Recommendations, p. 5.
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
physical damage to the sculptures was observed, but flaking was observed at several of the sculptures at
the east elevation that was not mentioned in the NAC report; flaking was also observed at the frames.
Frames and Bases
The NAC report does not address the material surrounding the sculpture, and yet these elements must be
considered as part of the assembly for both the purposes of conservation and particularly for protection of
the sculpture during any future construction work. A brief description and discussion of the construction
and typical condition of the frames and bases follows; specific conditions of each frame and base are
addressed in the assessment for each sculpture.
All of the panels have granite frames and sit on granite bases (Photo 1). The bases themselves are raised
on one or two stepped granite platforms that are continuous with the entry steps; the two sculptures at the
south end of the east elevation have granite benches projecting from the sculpture base (Photo 3).
The granite bases are single, large pieces of stone, but the frames consist of multiple units. The reliefs
project from the frames, and the frames project from the building wall (Photos 5, 6). The projection of
the frame is less adjacent to the entryways, as the entries project somewhat from the building. To
accommodate drainage, the frames have both a roof and an internal drain (Photo 7). The depth of the roof
is controlled by the depth of the projection, and the dimensions of the roof vary depending upon the size
of the associated panel; those at the north and south elevation are substantially larger than those at the
east elevation. The roofing material is corrugated copper backed by what appears to be an asphaltic
material, suggesting it is a type of self-adhesive material often used for roof flashing. At the south
elevation, staining on the granite frame is clearly associated with this asphaltic material (Photo 8).
The joint-filling material between the frame units, between the frame and the sculpture, and between the
base and sculpture is typically mortar. Sealant is more common between the base and stepped platform.
All the mortar joints peripheral to the sculptures are typically in deteriorated condition and are in need of
repointing. Dirt wash-down from the upward-facing surface of the base onto the vertical face is common,
causing dirt streaking.
A typical condition of the frames is damage to the upper-most member of the side of the frame at the
joint to the frame member spanning the top of the sculpture (Photo 9). The damage is typically a spall of
the side frame member; some of these spalls have been previously repaired with cement patches. The
cause of this spalling is most likely due to the insufficient dimension of the frame member where it
extends over the top of the sculpture to accommodate the movement of the sculpture panel.
Use of the platforms and benches by skateboarders is a concern. Not only is the granite damaged, but it is
also stained. Metal that rubs off of the metal parts of the skateboards corrodes, leaving rust on the surface
of the stone. Unfortunately, it does not seem that there is a good solution to this problem.
Panels by Donald De Lue
The two panels designed by Donald De Lue, Justice and Law, are repeated at the north and south
elevations. Despite the fact that they are the same images, the condition of the panels varies significantly
from north to south.
Justice, South Elevation, Chestnut Street
Justice is a seated female figure with one arm outstretched, palm upward, and one uplifted holding a
lamp (Photo 1). Draperies cover her shoulders, back, and lap. At her back there is an eagle with
outstretched wings. Below her outstretched hand there are two carved ornaments in shallow relief, one a
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
wheat sheaf and one a branch with either thorns or buds. Extending outwards from the bottom rear of her
draperies are three bands with stars between and behind them.
The color of the surround is distinctly darker/more saturated than that of the carved portion. There are
two large areas where the mix of minerals and grain size of the minerals is significant enough to create
distinctive, readily visible patches: one circular, just above the figures knee and one elongated below the
eagles feet (Photo 10). These are original to the piece, and not of concern. Streaks of dirt are pronounced
below the figure’s elbow, wrist, and fingertips and are present, but less noticeable below the eagle’s
beak. The streaking below the fingertips is slightly orange. The streaking below the elbow and wrist
extends all the way down the draperies to the figure’s lap. Dirt streaking is also pronounced along the top
of the sculpture below the frame. Dirt at this area comes from water washing down from the top of the
frame over the face. Accumulation of dirt was observed at upward-facing surfaces (Photo 11), and is
likely the source for the dirt causing the observed streaking on the vertical faces. On the drapery below
the figure’s lap there is a well-defined vertical streak of what appears to be rust. Closer examination
suggests that this is a deposit of ferrous metal, left behind when something metallic scratched the surface,
that has subsequently rusted. Similar streaks were observed at the base.
The joint between the sculpture and the base and the sculpture and the frame is deteriorated, as are the
joints in the frame itself. The granite frame is spalled at the upper left and has been repaired with a
poorly done cement patch. The granite frame is stained from the asphalt in the roofing, most noticeably at
the return to the building (Photo 5). One area of marker graffiti was noted at the base; rust streaks similar
to the one observed on the sculpture were also noted on the base. The upward-facing surface of the base
has an accumulation of dirt that tends to wash down the face of the base creating dark streaks (Photo 1)
Justice, North Elevation, Market Street
Though the soiling pattern on Justice at the north elevation is similar to that of the comparable sculpture
at the south elevation, the extent of soiling is much more severe (Photos 12, 13). Not only is there dirt
streaking there is also algae growth. The presence of algae indicates that the microclimate of the north
sculpture is consistently more humid than that of the south sculpture. There is also a bus stop on Market
Street right in front of this sculpture, which is likely contributing to the particulate (and nutrient) load.
Dirt accumulation at upward-facing surfaces was noted, but particulate dirt was also observed at the
undersides of the drapery folds and below the bands with stars. There is also pronounced dirt
accumulation in areas of streaking at the upper portions of the sculpture on the vertical surfaces (Photo
13). Orange discoloration of the surface was noted beneath the draperies immediately behind the foot
near the base (Photo 12).
The top surface of the surround has residues of a black, sticky material that (based on examination of
more abundant material at the top of Law at the north elevation) is likely a type of bird-deterrent. Some
of this material has washed onto the face of the surround at very tiny chips (one or two grains wide) in
the tiny bevel at the top edge of the surround. The material is sticky tends to collect dirt, so there are
pronounced accumulations of dirt at the face of the surround (Photo 14).
The base of the sculpture has some metallic streaks similar to those observed at the south elevation. The
joint between the base and the sculpture panel is deteriorated; the frame joints are also somewhat
deteriorated. The accumulation of dirt at the upward-facing surface of the base is greater that at the
corresponding sculpture at the south elevation, and the dirt-streaking on the base is also more
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
pronounced. Patterns of soiling on the base suggest that it may have been washed with water under
pressure at some time in the past.
Law, South Elevation, Chestnut Street
Law is a seated male figure with one arm held down by its side and the other extended forward, bent,
with the hand resting on a stylized fasces,3 a bundle of sticks banded together with a projecting axe head
(Photo 2). The band around the fasces incorporates a row of stars. Draperies cover the lap and extend
over the figure’s shoulder and down the back. As with Justice, there is an eagle behind the figure, with
lightening bolts extending downwards from its claws.
The level of soiling on this panel is similar to that of Justice at the same elevation. However, the upper
part of the panel has a distinct orange discoloration, especially noticeable above the fasces, and above the
eagle’s wing (Photo 15). One large, distinct streak that is largely dark and not orange extends down from
the top of the eagle’s wing all the way to the base. There is a similar area of dark soiling below the
figure’s raised arm that actually starts at the base of the thumb. Abundant particulate dirt has
accumulated in all the crevices of the sculpture.
The two small damages noted in the NAC report have not been repaired. One is at the surround at the
upper left (Photo 16); the second is at the top of the fasces. There is another small loss at the lower right
of the element on which the figure is seated (Photo 17)
The joint between the sculpture and base is not only deteriorated but open along much of its length
(Photo 17). Joints in the frame and between the frame and base and the frame and sculpture are also
deteriorated. The upper left frame element is damaged in the same manner as the same unit on Justice at
this elevation, and has been repaired with a cement patch. Dirt accumulating on the upward-facing
surface of the base is washing down the face of the base, creating dark streaks.
Law, North Elevation, Market Street
As with the two Justice panels, the sculpture of Law at the north elevation is overall more soiled than that
at the south elevation (Photo 18). The top of the surround has dirt accumulations similar to those
observed at the top surround of Justice at the same elevation. In the case of this sculpture panel, however,
there are remnants of the material causing the soiling at the top of the panel (Photo 19).
As with Justice at the same elevation, there is algae growth on the sculpture in addition to general soiling.
The algae growth is principally at the shoulder and lap of the figure. There are heavy accumulations of
dirt on upward-facing surfaces and in crevices, and dirt streaks down the surface where the water flows
from the top of the fasces, the figure’s upraised hand and lap, the top of the eagle’s wing, and the eagle’s
shoulder. Much of the dirt streaking is distinctly orange in color (Photo 20). There is also an area of
orange discoloration at the upper right of the panel.
There is a band along the bottom of the sculpture that is distinctly darker in color than the balance of the
panel (Photo 21). The cause is not known, but observation suggests that the base may have been powerwashed. Removal of weathering products from the surfaces of the minerals at the unpolished granite of
3
This element was referred to as a column in the NAC report.
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
the carving by pressure washing would likely give this effect. There is a similar area at the upper left of
the panel.
There are scattered open joints in the frame and between the sculpture and the frame. Dirt patterns on the
base are similar to those observed at the other panels, with heavy accumulation on the upward-facing
surface, and streaking down the face.
Panels by Edmond Amateis
Like the panels at the north and south elevations, the condition of the four sculpture panels along the east
elevation varies by location. The two near the northern end of the building are more heavily soiled with
more streaks of dirt than those at the south elevation.
Southern Delivery of Mail
Southern Delivery of Mail is a male figure, bent at the waist, flanked by palm trees. The palm tree to the
left of the figure has a parrot in the fronds, and there is a bunch of bananas lying on the ground at the
base. The palm tree at the right has a pineapple plant at the base. There is a mailbox on a post at the right
as well. The man is carrying a bundle in one hand, and has a bag slung over his shoulder.
Upward-facing surfaces of the sculpture are soiled, and there is pronounced accumulation of dirt in
crevices, particularly at the juncture between the lower arm, leg, and bundle. Dirt streaking is noticeable
from the shoulder of the figure, the ends of the palm leaves, and the top of the mailbox. There is also dirt
streaking at the top part of the surround. There is no orange streaking or discoloration on this sculpture.
A small area of damage at the right side of the left palm tree near where it intersects one leg of the figure
has been patched with a cementitious material. The patch is soundly attached, and not readily visible
from grade.
The most severe conditions of this assembly are at the bench and the base. The edge of the bench is badly
damaged from use by skateboarders. There is oily dirt and metal residues, along mechanical damage to
the stone (chipping and scraping, Photo 24). Metal blocks installed in the edge of the bench to deter the
skateboarders have been removed (presumably by the skateboarders). The base has staining from people
leaning against it when they sit on the bench (Photo 22); there are also rusted metal streaks as well. Joints
between the panel and the frame and between the frame sections are deteriorated.
Northern Delivery of Mail
Northern Delivery of Mail is a male figure, bent at the waist, flanked by trees with bare branches (Photo
25). The figure is bending over two dogs to the bottom left of the panel who are pulling a sled, visible
behind the figure’s legs at the right side of the panel.
There is significant dirt streaking at the center of the panel, particularly in a line below the lowest point
on the branches of the left tree. Dirt streaking below the figure is pronounced, and there are
accumulations of particulate dirt in the branches readily visible from grade. Some of the dirt streaking
and accumulations are distinctly orange. As with the other panels there are accumulations of dirt on the
upward-facing surfaces of the sculpture; the dirt at the top of the figure’s bent knee, the top of his back,
and the top of the bag on the sled between his legs. There is also dirt in the crevices. The tip of one of the
tree branches at the left tree is very slightly eroded (Photo 26).
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
The base of the panel has a distinctive deterioration condition. The color of the stone appears darker and
more saturated, but is pocked with white (Photo 27). Close examination reveals that the pocks are
actually small losses of flakes of stone (Photo 28). The cause of this flaking is not known, but its location
so close to grade suggests it may be due to some kind of cleaning or other surface treatment. Similar
damage was observed at the frame.
The right side of the surround and frame has an accumulation of glossy material (Photo 29). This is the
only location where the something like the resinous material described in the NAC report was observed.
The upper left unit of the frame is spalled and has been patched. Joints in the frame and between the
frame and base and the frame and sculpture are deteriorated. The base is stained due to people sitting on
the bench at the base (Photo 3). The bench is also damaged from skateboarding, including removal of the
mounted metal deterrents, but the damage is less than that of the bench below Southern Delivery of Mail.
Western Delivery of Mail
Western Delivery of Mail is a male figure with a saguaro cactus to either side (Photo 31). The figure is
bending over a pair of mailboxes on posts at the right side of the panel with a prickly pear cactus at the
base. The figure is holding a letter in one hand, bent at the elbow and extending toward the mailbox; the
other arm is bent with the hand resting on the figure’s back holding a hat. One leg of the figure is bent at
the knee.
There is significant dirt streaking at the center of the panel, both dark and orange (Photo 30). Unlike
other panels, some of the orange discoloration is at upward surfaces and arrises, such as at the edges of
the letter and the top edges of the mailboxes (Photo 31). The soiling is so pronounced that there are
distinct clean, white areas below the mouth, left elbow, and the chaps; these are fairly protected
locations, and the dirt does not wash over them. Some flaking like that observed on Northern Delivery of
Mail was observed above the figure’s head, neck, and upper back (Photo 32). Accumulations of dirt were
observed in crevices and on upward-facing surfaces.
A clue to the source of the orange discoloration on this sculpture panel (and likely on the others as well)
was found at the upper left of the panel. There is a large accumulation of particulate dirt below the
surround just to the left of the cactus. Below this dirt there is an orange streak, suggesting the dirt itself is
the source of the material causing the orange streaking, not the stone (Photo 33). However, the cause of
this accumulation of dirt is not known.
Joints between the units of the frame are deteriorated. The upper left unit of the frame is spalled, and the
adjacent stone (above the sculpture panel) is chipping along the joint. The first step below the base is
being used by skateboarders in the same way as the bench below Southern Delivery of Mail, and is
showing the same types of deterioration.
Eastern Delivery of Mail
Eastern Delivery of Mail is a male figure bending at the waist with a tree to one side and a letter box and
front fender of a car to the other (Photo 34). One of the figure’s arms is outstretched, the other is held at
its side. One leg is bent at the knee, the other is straight.
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Orange streaking was observed below projections such as the letter box, the elbow, the face, the leaves
on the trees, at the bent knee, and below the jacket. There is an area of flaking on the upward-facing
surface between the figure’s feet (Photo 35). As with the other sculptures, upward-facing surfaces have
significant accumulations of dirt, as do crevices. Dirt accumulations were also observed at the underside
of the leaves on the tree, the front of the bumper, and at a few areas at the underside of the surround.
Heavy though uneven soiling was noted at the top of the surround, similar in character to that observed at
the top of the surrounds of the panels at the north elevation.
The joints in the frame and between the base and frame and the sculpture are deteriorated. Flaking was
observed at the frame similar to that observed at the sculpture. The upper left unit of the frame is spalled
and needs to be repaired. The sealant joint between the base and the step below is open, and there is a
small amount of skateboard damage on the step itself.
TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Soiling on the sculpture panels seems to have increased significantly since the NAC assessment, so much
so that basic cleaning of the sculptures, particularly those at the north elevation, seems essential to
restore their visual integrity. Please note that, despite their architectural character, cleaning and other
recommended work on the sculptures should only be done by a qualified sculpture conservator.
Because the assessment was done during the winter, cleaning tests were not done. Saturating surfaces
with water is not advisable when night-time temperatures are consistently below freezing. Dry brushing
indicated that the surface dirt is largely particulate in character and not adhered, and will likely be easily
removed with water, but cleaning tests need to be done prior to any work being performed. Orange
discoloration may require a different treatment than water and/or detergent washing; the NAC report
suggested that the orange streaking could be removed with mineral spirits. Removal of the bird deterrent
from the upper surfaces of the surrounds of Law and Justice at the north elevation will certainly require
more than simple water cleaning. The conservator should be required to perform preliminary, small-scale
cleaning tests and submit a treatment proposal prior to performing any work. Once the sculptures have
been washed using methods developed by the conservator for the work and allowed to dry, they should
be re-evaluated to determine if additional, localized cleaning of upward-facing surfaces and/or areas of
dirt streaking and orange discoloration is required.
One of the problems for these sculptures is their location on a busy corner in an urban area. Heavy traffic
on the streets, particularly on Market Street where there is a bus stop immediately in front of the
building, contributes to the load of particulate dirt on the surfaces. Both casual and aggressive use of the
base of the building by people contributes oily and metallic dirt, graffiti, and other, less pleasant deposits.
Accordingly, simple water washing, performed at least two times a year, will go a long way to preserving
a good appearance once the sculptures have been cleaned by a conservator. Water washing should be
done only with water under very low pressure (no pressure-washers), and only when the weather is
warm. The bases and frames should be treated with the same degree of care as the sculptures.
Treating the sculpture without treating the frames and bases denies the integral nature of the sculpture
with the architecture. The frames and bases should be cleaned and conserved at the same time as the
sculptures, and the frames and bases should be protected as a unit with the sculpture during any
construction work. Necessary repointing and dutchman repair work at the frames should be done by an
experienced stone mason under the guidance and direction of a conservator.
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Sculpture Panels
The sculptures and surrounds should be washed with water and possibly a detergent (non-ionic or slightly
alkaline); testing will need to be done at the time the cleaning is to be done to determine if detergent is
needed. Both the Justice and Law panels at the north elevation should be cleaned with water and a
biocide formulated for use on exterior stone containing a quaternary ammonium compound to address the
algae growth; testing will need to be done at the time the cleaning is to be done to determine if detergent
is needed as well, or if the surfactant in the biocide is sufficient. Hand-scrubbing of crevices and upwardfacing surfaces with stiff, nylon- or natural-bristle brushes is recommended for removing the dirt.
Pressure washers should not be used because maintaining uniform pressure on all surfaces is difficult if
not impossible on surfaces with relief. Only mains pressure should be used for cleaning and rinsing.
Rusted metal on the surface of the sculpture may be removable by scrubbing with a stiff-bristled nylon or
natural bristle brush. If this does not remove the metal, slightly more aggressive abrasive removal could
be considered, such as use of an emery cloth. The goal should be to reduce, not completely remove, the
metal on the surface, as any abrasive that can scratch the metal can also scratch the minerals in the stone.
The NAC report recommended repair of the losses at Law at the south elevation. Experience suggests
that providing a durable repair that will match the granite well is extremely difficult. These damages, and
the one observed near the base of the same sculpture, are so small that repair seems unnecessary.
Frames and Bases
All deteriorated joints should be raked out and repointed. Any existing cement patches at the frames
should be removed and replaced with a granite dutchman. The size and shape of the repair should
compensate for the movement of the assembly that is causing the damage, perhaps by providing a larger
joint, and even by use of a soft joint along the top of the sculpture panel.
The bases and frames of the sculpture also need to be washed. Any exposed asphalt at the edges of the
roofing materials should be removed and/or covered to prevent water running over it from staining the
granite. Removal of asphalt stains from the granite may be accomplished with water alone and scrubbing,
but solvents and/or solvent-based paint removers may be needed. Removal of the marker graffiti may be
accomplished with solvents alone, or with a solvent-based paint remover. Small-scale testing should be
done and a treatment proposal prepared before any cleaning is done. As with the sculpture cleaning,
pressurized water should not be used. Only water under mains pressure and stiff nylon- or natural-bristle
brushes should be used for cleaning.
CONCLUSIONS
Though the sculpture panels are overall in good physical condition, they are badly in need of cleaning to
restore their visual integrity. There is also a concern that some of the orange discoloration from alteration
of particulate soiling may permanently stain the panels if they are not cleaned. The initial cleaning should
be performed by a conservator, who should also make recommendations for periodic maintenance
cleaning. Skateboarders are causing significant damage to the peripheral elements of the sculpture
assemblies, and efforts to prevent this activity should be continued.
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 1: Justice, by Donald De Lue, Chestnut Street (south) elevation, illustrating the relationship
between the sculpture and the building. Note the granite base on which the bas relief panel rests, made up
of a single piece of granite, and the surrounding, recessed granite “frame” made up of multiple units.
Note also the stepped granite platforms beneath the base that are contiguous with the entry stair to the
right.
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 2: Law, by Donald De Lue, Chestnut Street (south) elevation. Compare the construction to
Photo 1. The two areas of damage noted in the NAC report are indicated with blue arrows; the location of
the damage observed during this assessment is indicated with a green arrow.
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 3: Southern Delivery of Mail (left) and Northern Delivery of Mail (right), by Edmond Amateis,
Ninth Street (east) elevation, south end. Note that the stepped platforms beneath the sculpture bases of
these two sculptures form seats.
Photo 4: Western Delivery of Mail (left) and Eastern Delivery of Mail (right), by Edmond Amateis,
Ninth Street (east) elevation, north end.
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 5: Detail of the west side of the frame of Justice at the south elevation showing the extent of
projection from the façade. The staining is from the asphaltic material used to adhere the roofing.
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 6: Detail of the west side of the frame of Law at the south elevation showing the lesser extent of
projection from the façade adjacent to the entryway. Compare with Photo 5.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 7: Detail of the roofing material over the frame of Justice at the south elevation. The character of
the roofing material and installation is typical.
Photo 8: Detail of the face of the frame above Justice at the south elevation clearly illustrating the
asphaltic portion of the roofing as the source of the staining on the frame.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 9: Detail of spalled granite at the upper left of the frame of Justice at the south elevation. Damage
at this location is typical of many of the frames.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 10: Detail view of the center of Justice at the south elevation showing typical dirt-washing
patterns. The circular gray patch (arrow) is an area of mineralization distinct from the surrounding
granite.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 11: Detail view of the top of the outstretched arm of Justice at the south elevation. The
accumulation of dirt on the upward-facing surfaces is typical. The object in the crook of the elbow is a
nut. The stone below this object was slightly rust-stained.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 12: Overall view of Justice by Donald De Lue at the Market Street (north) elevation. Compare with
Photo 1. The soiling is much more extensive, and the presence of algae indicates a wetter
microenvironment. Note the orange discoloration below the draperies behind the foot.
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 13: Detail view of the upper part of Justice at the north elevation, from the west end looking east.
Note the heavy accumulation of dirt on the vertical surface of the sculpture.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 14: Detail of the top of the surround of Justice at the north elevation showing typical dirt streaking.
The tiny chip at the top edge is barely visible.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 15: Detail view of Law at the south elevation, showing the typical orange discoloration at the top
of the panel, and the concentration of dirt below the hand.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 16: Detail of the damage at the upper part of the surround of Law at the south elevation.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 17: Detail of the bottom of Law at the south elevation showing the small loss at the base of the
figure’s seat. The open joint is typical for this sculpture; the extent of soiling at the upward-facing
surface of the base is typical for most of the assemblies.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 18: Overall view of Law by Donald De Lue at the Market Street (north) elevation. The bright area
at the center of the panel is light reflected off of windows in the building across the street. Note the algae
growth on the figure, and the dirt streaking, especially at the fasces and below the eagle’s wing.
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 19: View of the top of the surround of Law at the north elevation. The dark material is a type of
bird deterrent. Note the dark streaks at the face of the surround.
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 20: Detail view of Law at the north elevation showing the dirt streaking on the eagle’s wing. Near
the top of the wing, the dirt streaks are dark, but lower down they are more orange. Note also the
accumulation of dirt in the deep crevice at the joint between the eagle’s wing and the drapery.
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 21: Detail view of Law at the north elevation showing the dark band at the bottom of the panel.
Note also the orange streaking at the upper left of the image; this is from dirt washing off of the top of
the fasces.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 22: Overall view of Southern Delivery of Mail by Edmond Amateis, Ninth Street (east) elevation
near the south end of the building.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 22: Detail view of Southern Delivery of Mail at the south end of the east elevation looking north
showing the typical dirt accumulation in crevices and upward-facing surfaces and the dirt streaking on
the vertical face.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 23: Detail view of Southern Delivery of Mail at the south end of the east elevation showing the
small, cementitious patch at the right side of the left palm tree near the base.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 24: Detail of the bench at the base of Southern Delivery of Mail at the south end of the east
elevation. The bright streak to the left is a fresh deposit of metal; the orange streak is what happens to the
metal residues when they rust. Note the chipping at the corners of the stone, and abrasion along the edge.
The dark staining is oily residue.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 25: Northern Delivery of Mail by Edmond Amateis at the Ninth Street (east) elevation, south end.
Note the pronounced dirt streaking at the center of the panel, and the accumulations of particulate dirt in
the tree branches.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 26: Detail of Northern Delivery of Mail at the south end of the east elevation showing slight
erosion of the tip of one of the branches of the left tree.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 27: Detail of Northern Delivery of Mail showing the area below and including the dogs legs. The
white pock marks in the dark surface are actually small areas of loss that look like flaking. See Photo 28.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 28: Detail of an area of damage at the pock-marked surface, Northern Delivery of Mail. There are
small losses in many locations.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 29: View of the right side of Northern Delivery of Mail, including the frame, showing some kind
of glossy material on the surface.
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ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 30: Western Delivery of Mail by Edmond Amateis at the Ninth Street (east) elevation near the
north end.
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 31: Detail of Western Delivery of Mail showing the orange discoloration on the edge of one of the
mailbox.
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 32: Detail of Western Delivery of Mail showing the orange discoloration and flaking above the
figure’s back and head similar to that seen on the bottom section of Northern Delivery of Mail.
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 33: Detail of the upper left of Western Delivery of Mail showing orange streaking below an
accumulation of particulate dirt.
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 34: Eastern Delivery of Mail by Edmond Amateis at the Ninth Street (east) elevation near the north
end.
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BAS RELIEF PANELS
ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
ROBERT N.C. NIX FEDERAL BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
Photo 35: Detail view of the bottom center of Eastern Delivery of Mail showing flaking of the granite. A
similar condition was observed at the frame.
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