Lecture in Conservation for Art Historians

Catalog description

This course will examine the development of art conservation in both theory and practice from its earliest manifestations to the current moment. An historical overview of the field will serve as background for a more detailed exploration of core issues in preservation and restoration. How does conservation change the appearance - and by extension, the meaning - of a work of art? How have the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline evolved, and what role do they play in practice today? And how has conservation responded to the enormous social, historical and intellectual changes of the last few years? Topics to be discussed include the roles of artist-restorer and architect-restorer in the rise of a discipline; the impact of science and scientific inquiry; cleaning controversies and the lure of positivist thinking; the development of ethical standards; decision-making in conservation; the challenges of modern and contemporary art; sustainability; and the expanding roles of the conservator. Readings will range from theoretical treatises to case studies of treatments, but no pre- requisite of scientific knowledge is required. The course is open to all art history, archaeology and conservation students, and it fulfills the conservation requirement for art history and archaeology students.