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Case Studies
OBJECT / ARTIST FOCUSED CASES
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The Technical Examination of a "Nok" Ceramic Sculpture
This case study follows the examination of a monumental ceramic sculpture, presented to the conservators as an example of ancient statuary produced by the Nok Culture (roughly 700 BCE-300 CE), in what is today central Nigeria. Upon examination, it became clear that the piece was composed of many, likely unrelated, fragments. An extensive study was undertaken to better understand the object, including FTIR, CT Scanning and Thermoluminescence Dating. A practical example of how technical study can reveal unexpected information. Note that the PowerPoint contains only images and references; the full text is contained in the PDF document. Author: Sarah Barack Tags: African Art; thermo-luminscent dating (TL); x-radiography; CAT scan; pastiche
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Technical Art History: Understanding an Artist's Technique: Picasso
With the help of widely available images and technical studies, this presentation focuses on Picasso’s studio practice. The author has outlined compositional modifications, visible within several infra-red reflectographs and x-radiographs, as well specific techniques used to achieve desired effects.. Author: Karen Thomas Tags: Picasso; artists’ working practices; x-radiography; infra-red reflectography
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Technical Art History: Understanding an Artist's Technique: Raphael
This presentation brings together several different imaging techniques - infra-red reflectography, x-radiography, cross-section analysis - to illuminate Raphael’s working practice. Working through the visual evidence, Thomas presents each step in creating a painted panel, from support, to image transfer and paint stratigraphy. An excellent study for students looking to expand their technical know-how. Author: Karen Thomas Date: Summer 2011 Tags: Raphael; artists' working practices; imaging and analysis |
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Technical Art History: Understanding an Artist's Technique: Ad Reinhardt
This study delves into Ad Reinhardt’s studio practices through an examination of several of his paintings. Technical studies, including the use of microscopy to determine the stratigraphy of applied paint, will be addressed. The presentation concludes with an exercise in replication which can be adapted for classroom use. Note that the PowerPoint contains only images and references; the full text is contained in the PDF document. Author: Corey D'Augustine Date: Fall 2014 Tags: Ad Reinhardt; artists' working practices; hands-on studio exercise |
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Technical Art History: Oceanic Art
The author discusses works of art and culture from Melanesia, focusing on traditional materials and methods of working these materials. Examples are pulled from the galleries of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and references are provided for additional study. This case builds on the gallery lecture offered during the STITAH 2014. Author: Beth Edelstein Date: Fall 2014 Tags: Oceanic art; ethnography; Papua New Guinea |
GENERAL / INTRODUCTORY LECTURES
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Technical Art History & Its Sources: An Introductory Discussion
This general presentation provides an overall introduction to the topic, and examines source material used by technical art historians. Note that the companion text can be found in the “notes” section below each slide when viewing the editing mode. Author: Michele Marincola Date: Summer 2011 Tags: technical art history |
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Examination and Imaging Techniques: Works on Paper
This PowerPoint and accompanying text introduce the reader to how conservators study works of art on paper through technical means. A very accessible, basic discussion, appropriate for students beginning their foray into the more technical sphere. Author: Lindsey Tyne Date: Summer 2014 Tags: technical art history; works on paper |
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Stone and Metal in the Built Environment
This three-part presentation offers an introduction to the material properties of stone and metal, with mini-case studies embedded within the text. Examples range from archeological sites to the contemporary architectural world. While appropriate for all student levels, the graphs and other more advanced material might be of greater interest to science-minded students. Please note the annotations are in the notes section per slide. Author: George Wheeler Date: Summer 2014 Tags: technical art history; stone; metal; architecture; materials science |
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Technical Art History & Its Sources: An Introductory Discussion
This general presentation provides an overall introduction to the topic, and examines source material used by technical art historians. Note that the companion text can be found in the “notes” section below each slide when viewing the editing mode. Author: Michele Marincola Date: Summer 2011 Tags: technical art history |
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Painting in Oils: An Introduction
Conservator Jessica David presents a step-by-step introduction to painting in oils, based on practical exercises conducted during the STITAH. Annotations and talking points are embedded in the document next to the featured images. Author: Jessica David Date: Summer 2015 Tags: studio practice; oil painting |
STUDENT TECHNICAL STUDIES
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Song Dynasty Standing Bodhisattva
Objects conservation graduate student Melissa Tan discusses her in-depth technical examination of a polychrome wood Chinese sculpture. Specific research questions are identified, and instrumental analysis conducted to elucidate her queries. Note as with other case studies above, a Word Document accompanies her presentation. Author: Melissa Tan Date: Spring Semester 2014 Tags: technical art history; polychrome wood; Chinese art |
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19th Century Tibetan Tara
Objects conservation graduate student Eve Mayberger adapted her examination and treatment report from a practical course to create a brief study of this Tibetan Tara sculpture. Questions of facture and condition are discussed and explored. Again, the Word Document offers context for the slide images. Author: Eve Mayberger Date: Fall Semester 2014 Tags: technical art history; cast bronze; Tibetan art; |
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Technical Examination of a Bodhisattva
As part of an elective practical treatment course, objects conservation graduate student Kathryn Brugioni had the opportunity to examine and treat a Qing Dynasty polychrome wood Bodhisattva. This well-researched and carefully conducted study effectively illustrates how close looking and analytical study complement iconographic study. Author: Kathryn Brugiono Date: Spring Semester 2013 Tags: technical art history; Qing Dynasty sculpture |
