For most people, paintings, photographs and sculptures are synonymous with artwork, but Suzanne Lomax of the National Gallery of Art will introduce art from a different angle.
Lomax will present "Chemistry as Art," a talk focusing on the application of different techniques used to preserve and restore artwork, the examination of different mediums and the composition of art pieces.
Scientists are making headways in the preservation and restoration of art objects through conservation science departments. Many of our most famous pieces of art, such as the Mona Lisa, Starry Night and the Sistine Chapel require a great deal of upkeep. Recent advances in technology have also enabled scientists to answer questions about the composition of art objects.
"Now we can take a microscope to the cross sections of a painting and view the image up close to understand the different layers," said Lomax. "These tasks use polarized light and X-ray diffraction of powdered samples to help us analyze the pieces."
Pigment identification is a process that is being employed more frequently. It allows scientists to determine the time period of a piece and if the pigments in the picture are well-kept or faded.
"Not only do the scientists learn about the artist's choice of materials, but they can also better understand the methods of the artist," said Lomax.
Gas chromatography, or GC, is another process used to identify oil-containing binders and waxes. High-performance liquid chromatography, or HPLC, is used to identify proteinaceous binders and organic dyes.
"Sometimes we use ultraviolet radiation as well to identify retouched areas in previous conservation treatments," said Lomax.
Reflectography, another type of identification procedure is used to examine the under drawing, or pre-sketch, on a painting.
Lomax will have artwork examples from the National Museum of Art. The presentation is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served following the presentation.
Event
Who: Suzanne Lomax, National Gallery of Art What: "Chemistry as Art"Where: Cooper Science Planetarium, room 188When: 7:30 p.m.Cost: Free
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