Art conservation uses Ultra-violet lighting in a similar way that a detective uses a black light to inspect a crime scene. Awash with the electromagnetic radiation, i.e. light in the form of wavelengths, the painting's secrets are revealed; artist materials fluoresce distinct colours in the visible spectrum depending on the age and type of material present. A conservator is able to approximate the age of a painting (e.g. the milky green-yellow glow of varnish intensifies with time) and discern what is original, artist applied material versus those subsequently added to the painting, such as a restorer or conservator's touch.
Submission Year:
2017-18
Photographer's affiliation:
Graduate student
Academic areas:
Arts and Science
Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
Art of Research categories:
Art in action
Photo:
Categories:
Grad student
Faculty of Arts and Science
Department of Art History and Art Conservation
School of Graduate Studies
Interdisciplinary research in materials, computational analytics and human-machine interactions
Analytics and Digital Technologies
Mobilizing Creativity and Enabling Cultures
Creative Production and Expression
Location of photograph:
Madrid, Spain
Photographer's name:
Courtney Books
Display Photographers Affiltion + Faculty or Department:
Graduate Student, Art History and Art Conservation