Application Of Science In Examination Of Works Of Art

Examines the application of scientific methods to the study and conservation of art and cultural properties. This work addresses scientific topics of broad interest, cutting across the boundaries of traditional disciplines and attracting up to 250 leadingresearchers in the field.

This volume presents the life work of the late Ruth Johnston-Feller, one of the nation's leading color scientists. It combines an overview of basic theoretical concepts with detailed, hands-on guidance for the professional conservator and conservation scientist. The author focuses on the application of color science to the solution of practical problems, providing a comprehensive discussion of the nondestructive spectrophotometric tools and techniques used to understand the color and appearance of materials during the technical examination of works of art. The book, which features numerous examples of reference reflectance spectra, can help prevent misinterpretation of color measurements and the erroneous conclusions that might result. Topics include spectrophotometry, colorimetry, colorant mixtures, analytical techniques, reflection, fluorescence, and the effects of extenders, fillers, and inerts.

Conservation of Easel Paintings is the first comprehensive text on the history, philosophy, and methods of treatment of easel paintings that combines both theory with practice. With contributions from an international group of experts and interviews with important artists, this volume provides an all-encompassing guide to necessary background knowledge in technical art history, artists' materials, scientific methods of examination and documentation, with sections that present varying approaches and methods for treatment, including consolidation, lining, cleaning, retouching, and varnishing. The book concludes with a section featuring issues of preventive conservation, storage, shipping, exhibition, lighting, safety issues, and public outreach. Conservation of Easel Paintings is a crucial resource in the training of conservation students and will provide generations of practicing paintings conservators and interested art historians, curators, directors, collectors, dealers, artists, and students of art and art history with invaluable information and guidance.

This book is a collection of scientific papers written over 30 years by Karin Groen on aspects of the painting of Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Leyster, Vermeer, Van Gogh etc. The author tracks the historical development of the application of scientific techniques in research into artists techniques and materials and examines phenomena such as the changing of green pigments to blue, the use of red in preparatory layers, binding media, blanching and organic pigments. Contents: In memoriam: Karin Groen Introduction: Perspectives on the evolution of science for art history and conservation, and its current state Part I - Grounds and binding media Chapter 1 - Halcyon days for art history Chapter 2 - Grounds in Rembrandt's workshop and in paintings by his contemporaries Chapter 3 - Earth Matters. The origin of the material used for the preparation of the Night Watch and many other canvases in Rembrandt's workshop after 1640 Chapter 4 - In the beginning there was red Chapter 5 - Investigation of the use of the binding medium by Rembrandt. Chemical analysis and theology Part II - Changing colours Chapter 6 - Towards identification of brown discolouration on green paint Chapter 7 - Towards identification of brown discolouration on green paint revisited Chapter 8 - The foliage tends almost to blue Chapter 9 - Scanning electron-microscopy as an aid in the study of blanching Part III - Study of painting techniques Chapter 10 - Frans Hals: a technical examination (Co-author: Ella Hendriks) Chapter 11 - Judith Leyster: a technical examination of her work (Co-author: Ella Hendriks) Chapter 12 - Scientific examination of Vermeer's Girl with the Pearl Earring (Co-authors: Inez van der Werf, Klaas Jan van den Berg and Jaap J. Boon) Summary Samenvatting Bibliography Acknowlegdements