The exciting connections between chemistry in art have been explored in numerous chemistry courses for majors and non-majors. Presented here is an analytical instrumentation course (pre-requisite of general chemistry), with high student interest developed at Beloit College. Inspired by the cCWCS Advanced Chemistry in Art workshop, this course introduces students to modern instrumental analysis in chemistry as applied to the study of art objects and archeological artifacts. Students use gas chromatography (GC) to analyze fatty acid residue on pottery shards, microscopy (fluorescence and SEM) to analyze cross-sections from oil paintings, and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and colorimetry to analyze pigments in paintings. In collaboration with the excellent art and anthropology museums on our campus, students also conduct independent research projects applying these techniques and conduct literature reviews of current journal articles related to scientific analysis of cultural heritage objects. The course attracts chemistry, museum studies, and art/art history students.

Chemistry in art within an analytical chemistry course

2019 Spring National Meeting

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