77767 - Cultural Heritage Chemistry and Diagnostics I

Learning outcomes

The student will acquire knowledges related to the composition, structure, properties and chemical transformation of materials used in art. Moreover the student will be introduced at the use of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques employed for the charcaterisation of artistic samples.

Course contents

Wall paintings and mobile paintings:

Materials (pigments, binders, varnishes) 

Chemical transformations

Methods of conservation and restoration

Diagnostic techniques for the characterization of the aforementioned materials

Readings/Bibliography

La chimica nel restauro. I materiali dell'arte pittorica,

Mauro Matteini Arcangelo Moles

Nardini, 2007

Teaching methods

Lessons with the support of slides, videos and exercises

Assessment methods

The final exam consists of a discussion on the topics covered in class, aimed at the evaluation of the theoretical knowledge acquired during the course, the possession of a specific language and the acquisition of an organic vision of the topics covered in class.
Good or excellent grades can be achieved by students who demonstrate a critical knowledge of the subject, who are able to apply theoretical concepts to practical examples and make use of an appropriate language. Mostly mnemonic knowledge, limited abilities of synthesis and analysis and imprecise language lead to grades ranging from discrete to sufficient. Important gaps, inappropriate language, lack of an overview of the topics covered will inevitably lead to a barely adeguate grade or to a negative evaluation.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Prati