The course emphasizes sculpture, objects, and archaeological artifacts. This course may be taken in fulfillment of the conservation requirement for art historians. The course is designed to introduce the student to the materials and techniques of polychrome sculpture and Western European and American paintings from the thirteenth through the twentieth centuries. Topics include the history and development of techniques as well as historical and contemporary approaches to conservation. Lectures at the Metropolitan Museum of Art are focused on defining the changes that occur through natural aging of the materials and those caused by interference.
Special attention is given to the examination of works of art in excellent state of preservation.
Subjects such as traditional and synthetic resins used for picture varnishes, infrared reflectography, X-radiography, materials and techniques for consolidation and lining, and special consideration in the treatment of contemporary painting is presented. Guest lectures are scheduled to present subjects such as the characteristics of traditional and synthetic resins used for picture varnishes, infrared reflectography, radiography, new materials and techniques for consolidation and lining, and special considerations in the treatment of contemporary painting. Enrollment is limited to students following the program in Conservation and to other qualified students with the permission of the faculty. Students receive elementary practice in examination of polychrome wood sculpture, panel and canvas paintings. A copy is made of an early Italian gold ground tempera painting using traditional techniques.