ARTHIST 387/ 592: Issues in the Conservation of Art and Cultural Property

This course provides an introduction to the field of Art Conservation as well as an overview of the principle issues surrounding the care and preservation of cultural properties. Led by Carlos Museum Chief Conservator Reneé Stein, lecture and discussion will address historic materials and technologies, as well as aging properties, deterioration, and conservation treatment. Examples will be drawn from a wide variety of cultures and will represent diverse media, including paper, paintings, stone, metals, ceramics, archaeological remains, and historic monuments. The class will also examine the use of conservation science to recognize fakes or forgeries, document artists' working methods, and identify historic materials. Discussions will consider issues of aesthetics, artist’s intent, change over time, and compensation for loss or damage.