Honey, I Ate The Degas

Over 100 years ago, Edgar Degas, crafted intricate sculptures from beeswax, lard, clay, and odds and ends such as cork, wood, wire, and rags. Now scientists have found that colonies of bacteria and fungi have been feasting on the work. The sculptures, depicting intimate scenes of women bathing and models of horses and dancers in action, are featured at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The works are kept in Plexiglas display containers which, conservators worry, may be offering a cozy home for the microbes. For the full story - click the title Irish Art