Ancient and Historic Technologies: Case Studies of Construction and Change

Works of art that appear enduring and inviolate are in fact constantly undergoing change, evolution, and alteration. Some of these changes are gradual and environmental, as in the case of outdoor limestone and marble monuments. Changes, however, can be rapid, intentional, and even iconoclastic. The fundamental appearance, properties, and technologies of the materials for each object studied will be considered. So too will the chemical nature of the degradation and change that the work has undergone. This course will explore a series of ancient and historic objects, including works in marble, bronze, polychromy, wood, and glass, and how they have evolved or been acted on over time. This will include changes wrought on the object over time by the objects’ owners and users, the environment, artisans, restorers, and conservators. The ethical nature of the conservation and restoration approaches to these changes will be addressed, along with how these works should best be interpreted in their current states. The problems of fashion, politics, and evolving conservation technologies will be addressed as we consider how to best interpret not only a work’s initial conception, but how best to discuss its lifetime of evolution in presenting the work today. The scientific tools needed to identify and understand these changes will also be addressed. This material does not require scientific prerequisites, and will be presented through readings, in-class discussions, lectures, and writing assignments. 3 credits. Satisfies the pre-1800 requirement.