Chemistry and Materials Science Seminar: The Power of the Picture

Chemistry and Materials Science Seminar
The Power of the Picture: Applications of chemical imaging in conservation science

Douglas MacLennan
Laboratory Research Associate
Getty Conservation Institute

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This seminar may be attended in person in 1174 Gosnell Hall or online via Zoom.

This presentation will present case studies of ancient Roman gold, medieval Italian panel paintings, and Picasso to demonstrate the synergistic use of scanning macro X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy and other non-invasive imaging technologies with a focus on objects from the J. Paul Getty Museum collection in Los Angeles, CA.

Abstract:
Museum scientists play a vital role in the study and preservation of our cultural heritage. The scientific study of works of art offer key evidence for better understanding how these objects were made and how to conserve them for the future. The complexity and precious nature of works of art make their detailed study a unique analytical challenge, often necessitating the development of new analytical approaches or specialized instrumentation. In recent years, the development and application of diverse laboratory-based macro-and microscale imaging spectroscopies have provided new visual evidence for understanding the materials and methods used in the creation, interpretation, and conservation of works of art. In particular, the development of scanning macro X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy has provided the unprecedented ability to map the distribution of individual chemical elements across large areas at high spatial resolution offering detailed maps of artists materials, such as pigments or metals. These data, coupled with data from complementary spectroscopic imaging techniques including diffuse reflectance imaging spectroscopy and luminescence imaging spectroscopy, provide a more complete view of many of the organic and inorganic components that comprise a work of art. These visual data offer new insights into understanding the materials and techniques of artists as well as the degradation pathways of artists materials and are also valuable communication tools for collaborating with non-scientific audiences. Moreover, the data provided by these spatially-resolved, non-invasive analytical techniques provide a guide for selecting strategic sample sites for carrying out additional sample-based analyses at the microscale by other laboratory- and synchrotron-based spectroscopies. This presentation will present case studies of ancient Roman gold, medieval Italian panel paintings, and Picasso to demonstrate the synergistic use of these powerful imaging spectroscopic technologies with a focus on objects from the J. Paul Getty Museum collection in Los Angeles, CA.

Speaker Bio:
Douglas MacLennan joined the technical studies research group at the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) in 2016. His work focuses on the technical examination of works of art in collaboration with both conservators and curators. His research interests include the development and use of XRF and multispectral reflectance imaging spectroscopy for the non-invasive study of works of art. Prior to joining the GCI, he was an assistant paintings conservator at the Getty Museum. He received a postgraduate diploma in the conservation of easel paintings from the Courtauld Institute of Art, and a double BA in History and German from the University of Michigan.

Intended Audience:
Undergraduates, graduates, experts. Those with interest in the topic.

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