Study · 18–20 May 2026

Comparative study of Zadkine sculptures

Non-intrusive archaeodendrometric comparison of two wooden groups bearing Ossip Zadkine's signature.

Splits, torn fibres and sawing marks recorded on a sculpture — Splits, torn fibres and sawing marks observed during the examination. Credit : Christine Locatelli / Didier Pousset

Context: Comparison commissioned by the KMSKA Museum in Antwerp between two wooden groups bearing Ossip Zadkine’s signature.
Didier’s contribution: Didier Pousset carried out non-intrusive visual examinations in Antwerp and Paris to characterise the timber, selected masses and tool marks.
Outcome: The study documents xylological characteristics and evidence of cutting, shaping and carving without determining attribution on its own.
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At the request of the KMSKA Museum in Antwerp, a comparative study was carried out on two groups of wooden sculptures bearing Ossip Zadkine’s signature: The Misery of Job, held by the KMSKA, and a kneeling Job in a private collection in Paris.

Non-intrusive visual examinations

The study identified the main xylological characteristics of the wood, reconstructed the choice of timber selected for carving, and described the cutting, shaping and carving tools from the marks they left. Observations were made on 18 and 19 May 2026 in Antwerp and on 20 May in Paris.

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