CHE 464 Chemical Analysis of Modern Paintings
Students investigate the materials used to create Modernist Paintings (Impressionism through Abstraction) and how science and technology influenced some of the developments within modern art movements. Chemical knowledge is applied to understand materials changes in paintings over time. Students learn how this information may be used to inform art conservators on how to best preserve our cultural heritage. Instrumental methods discussed and utilized include x-ray fluorescence, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, reflectance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy, infrared reflectography, x-radiography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Case studies of paintings by Matisse, Picasso, Renoir, Seurat, Sisley, Van Gogh, de Chirico and others is discussed to gain an understanding of conservation science and art forgery investigations.