Surface reflections are critical to a viewer's perception of sculpture. The author explains the means by which artists through the ages varied the polish on their sculptures to provide desired visual effects. The polish, or luster, on the surface of a work of sculpture was carefully adjusted to match varying lighting conditions through the centuries, and in many instances the surface polish (or localized lack of polish) is more important than the colors used. When sculptures are treated by conservators, it is imperative that the original variations in surface texture are maintained and that the object be displayed in lighting conditions similar to thosefor which the piece was intended. See also AATA 20-106.