Art History
Significance to Conservation Science
When I took my first art history course as a freshman chemistry major, I said to my professor I hoped the class would be interesting even though I didn't see much connection to chemistry. He told me I might be surprised at the connections I find between art and science. I have certainly been surprised in the best way!
That first art history class grabbed my attention because it finally helped me understand the art I saw in museums as it explored the deeper cultural significance of art. After learning about the field of conservation, I began to see the connections between art and science and the diverse applications of chemistry.
As a scientist involved in the investigation and conservation of art, I believe the art historical significance of a work is fundamental background information. The time, place, artist, materials, provenance, and cultural value of a work of art are vital in contextualizing the study and results.
Course Projects
Persuasive Presentation regarding attribution of Kress Madonna and Child, currently held at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
Exhibition Project including selection of 25 items, catalogue entry of one item, introductory essay to the exhibition publication, and exhibition design with wall text
Exhibit Curation Proposal exploring how the three Catalan artists' depictions of women relate to other representations of the feminine form in art
Term Paper exploring responsible conservation of modern art with examples from each of the three Catalan artists
Term Paper on the "Barcelona Model" and the rebirth of culture, community, and creativity in the modern city
