Investigation of Art and Cultural Objects… Why?

The Institute of Conservation of the University of Applied Arts Vienna (IoC)

Conservation science and conservation are located at the interface of humanistic, natural scientific and artistic disciplines and practical interventions.

Photomicrograph of cross-section from sandwich of paint layers from the graffiti at the Danube Canal, Vienna (VIS X, VIS II, UV, Blue), © Institute of Conservation, University of Applied Arts Vienna

The natural sciences play an important role in this interdisciplinary debate in order to analyse and identify the material and technological structure of art and cultural property, as well as to understand and establish damage mechanisms – a fundamental prerequisite for the development of conservation and restoration concepts and preservation strategies. Furthermore, they offer assistance in questions of provenance and dating. Today, non-destructive examination methods are preferable to invasive analysis with sampling.

Imperial Crown ©KHM-Museumsverband / Christian Mendez

The presented interdisciplinary research project CROWN deals with the many open questions around the Imperial Crown and its countless gemstones, pearls and enamels. Imaging analyses reveal the composition, structure and manufacturing technology of stone, mortar and ceramics from ancient to modern times, while portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy can non-destructively measure the materiality and composition of various objects. Because each work of art is original and therefore unique, this applied research presents a fascinating, rich, and diverse range of scientific challenges, yielding new and often surprising results and insights.

Gypsum crystals forming a weathering crust on a marble tombstone, © Institute of Conservation, University of Applied Arts Vienna / Johannes Weber

Program:

Lectures and Live-Demonstration

16:00 Welcome

Gabriela Krist, Head of IoC

16:05 The role and task of the natural sciences in the conservation of works of art

Tatjana Bayerova, Senior Scientist IoC

16:35 Application of different analytical methods for the identification of the materials used on the Imperial Crown

Teresa Lamers, Research Associate KHM | Doctoral Student IoC

17:05 Microscopy of mineral artefacts in conservation and archaeology

Johannes Weber, Professor IoC | Petrologist

17:33 Live-Demonstration ‘X-ray fluorescence analysis for cultural heritage research’

Alexandra Rodler-Rørbo, Senior Lecturer IoC

EXHIBITION OPENING HOURS: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fr: 13.00 – 18.00; Thu: 13.00 – 20.00

Curated by Gabriela Krist and the team of the Institute of Conservation of the University of Applied Arts Vienna

Exhibition design: Christian Höller / Photos: Christoph Schleßmann