Electronic images of art serve a valuable purpose if an artifact is not available to observe and experience directly; but they cannot completely replace the direct human interaction with art or the manipulation of art materials. Chemistry of Art and Color students are asked to view art objects at the Art Institute of Chicago with electronic images of the same art so that they can compare what cannot be observed/detected in the photo. Students synthesize chalk, watercolors, milk, and egg tempera, as opposed to viewing the materials online, and build ball and stick models of molecules as opposed to viewing 3d graphic models (including manipulation of stereoisomers). Students also do physical examinations of organic binders, natural gums, resins, varnishes, as well as test the solubility of these materials in water, ethanol, and turpentine. While teaching additive coloring mixing is suited for electronic media, subtractive color mixing is best learned manipulating colored filters. Preforming the synthesis of pigments, grinding, and mixing in linseed oil to obtain a suitable oil paint to be used in the creation of a class composition teaches and appreciation of the material presence of that cannot be gleamed through an online presence.<br/> <br/>Chemistry of Artifact Conservation is a preparatory course required before students take general chemistry and organic chemistry courses. The first half of the course introduces general chemistry concepts (with lab activities) and the basics of organic functional groups (groups that are commonly occur in conservation solvents and the purpose those groups serve). Included is an overview of polymers that play important roles in conservation work.<br/> <br/>The undergraduate program in artifact conservation features a partnership with Lorenzo de Medici, Florence. Students in their third year receive course instruction and hands on conservation experience. In their fourth year, students complete a semester long internship with a local conservator.

Physical presence and chemistry of art, color, and artifact conservation

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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