Expert: Debra Flint - 1/23/2012

Question
QUESTION: I received an old statue of the Blessed Mother and Child Jesus from my mother-in-law. It is painted with a lot of detail and has a lot of folds in the dress making it very difficult to clean. I think it is ceramic but am not sure. It does not have a high sheen. It was made in Italy but has no other markings other than the artist's name, Marioni. The first initial is either L, P, or R. What can I safely use to clean the statue? Would you know anything about its value? Thank you!

ANSWER: If it is ceramic it is like glass. You can rinse with water. check on bottom first with a touch of water. Usually no value just family value.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi and thank you for the quick response.  Water alone is not working.  The folds of the dress of the Virgin Mary are deep and filled with years of dust.There is a lot of gold paint too and I am afraid it will come off if I use any strong solution.  I once tried to clean a ceramic statue with gold paint and the paint came off.  Sorry to be such a bother but I was hoping you could recommend a safe cleaner.  Again, I am not sure if this statue is ceramic or fired clay.
Blessings to you!

Answer
The gold is probaly gold sheets whick may come off? Try a q-tip with alitlle rubbing alcohol on the bottom and see. sorry otherwise I am not sure what to use. The gol is easily put back on if it comes off. It is called gold leaf so you may want to clean and reapply.