Loss
Irreversible or undesirable change to an object's ideal state. A portion of material or element becomes separated from the whole of the object. Typically noticed when there is an empty space, hole, or damage to a formerly present part of the object.
Related Terms
Synonyms in English
without, damage, destruction, missing
Translation
| English | loss |
| French | perte |
| Spanish | perdida |
| Portuguese | perda |
| Italian | perdita |
| German | verlust |
| Russian | |
| Arabic | |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 缺失 |
Discussion
For traditional conservation purposes, any change to the determined ideal state of the object can be construed as loss. Loss can be identified in all object types, including documents, paintings, stone, wood, ceramics, etc. Typical types of loss include flaking on paintings or missing protrusions on sculptures.
If anything ever falls or comes off of an object, immediately put in a conservation-appropriate housing for future conservation and mark the folder or bag as a related fragment. Once the missing pieces are lost, it can be impossible to ever find the original piece and put back together again.
References
Demeroukas, Marie. 2010 "Condition Reporting." MRM5: Museum Registration Methods 5th Edition. Washington D.C.
Northeast Document Conservation Center https://www.nedcc.org/
Authenticity, Change and Loss in the Conservation of Time-Based Media Installations http://www.tate.org.uk/research/publications/tate-papers/06/authenticity-change-and-loss-conservation-of-time-based-media-installations
Vergès-Belmin, V., ed. 2008. Illustrated glossary on stone deterioration patterns. English-French ed., Monuments & Sites no. 15. Paris: ICOMOS and (ISCS) International Scientific Committee for Stone. http://www.icomos.org/publications/monuments_and_sites/15/pdf/Monuments_and_Sites_15_ISCS_Glossary_Stone.pdf