TECHNICAL ART HISTORY

Catalog description

Technical art history, which investigates the materials and techniques of artworks, and the scientific methods used to study them, is one of the fastest growing areas of art history. Knowledge of the physical properties of an art object, often revealed only through scientific tools, can provide crucial insights into its origins, creative genesis and development, dating, alterations, and best approaches to restoring or conserving it. This course explores the techniques and materials used in the creation of a select body of artworks and the scientific methods of examination and their applications. Site visits required as scheduled.