Art Conservation: Culture Under Analysis

Art, archaeology, and analytical chemistry: A synthesis of the liberal arts

“…For example, since one of our laboratory experiments is a simple neutron activation analysis experiment (42), the use of neu-tron activation analysis for trace analysis in archaeological samples is an obvious topic. Other topics, such as conservation of objects (43)(44)(45)(46)(47) are mentioned also in order to give a more complete picture of the contributions of chemistry to art and archaeology. Finally, to include an additional liberal art, music, mention is made of the chemistry of a Stradivarius violin (48).…”

Personal recollections of Frank C. Whitmore by Charles D. Hurd

“…For example, since one of our laboratory experiments is a simple neutron activation analysis experiment (42), the use of neu-tron activation analysis for trace analysis in archaeological samples is an obvious topic. Other topics, such as conservation of objects (43)(44)(45)(46)(47) are mentioned also in order to give a more complete picture of the contributions of chemistry to art and archaeology. Finally, to include an additional liberal art, music, mention is made of the chemistry of a Stradivarius violin (48).…”

Chemistry for artists and art buffs

“…Alloys such as brass, bronze, pewter and "Sterling" silver are discussed, along with electroplating, galvanizing, and anodizing. The historical significance of metals in artistic endeavors as well as commerce and warfare adds a bit of respect for early civilizations (5).…”