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The agents of deterioration, including biological, chemical and physical are explained within the context of material culture, that is what objects of art are made of: organic and inorganic materials. Other topics include care of cultural property and requirements for admission to graduate school in the USA and Europe. We delve into the history of the field and its rapid evolution as a result of the great flood of Florence on November 4, 1966.
In addition the student will learn how to examine art and take measures to help preserve it and keep it in good condition and protect it from environmental damage. Site visits to the Uffizi Museum, Pitti Museum and other locations of recent restoration in and around Florence. Lastly we discuss future trends in the field of heritage conservation, including employment opportunities.
Students work assignments include the readings, writing a paper on the topic, site visits, and producing a watercolor study of an artwork. Producing a detailed watercolor study of an art work helps train the eye and gives them practical experience in looking at details in a work of art.
Two site visits per week are planned to local museums, parks, galleries in Florence and surrounding region.
Textbook:“The Theory of Restoration” by the famed Italian art restorer Caesar Brandi.
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