ARTHIST 388/592: Technical Art History—Examining Materials and Technique

Questions about material choice, working process, authenticity, provenance, object history, and restoration are addressed through the technical investigation of art(ifacts). This course will introduce these questions and a selection of the imaging and analytical methods used to explore them. Led by Carlos Museum Chief Conservator Reneé Stein, students will apply these methods to object(s) in the Carlos Museum collection.

Case studies will serve as models for the investigative process. In-class workshops will provide practical experiences with art materials and examination methods. The class will consider ways to document and communicate the data it collects through examination, imaging, and analysis of museum objects.