The Art of Conservation

This fascinating volume provides a comprehensive overview of conservation, a lesser-known but fundamental discipline in Art History. The essays explore the theoretical, aesthetic, and technical debates surrounding the preservation of Old Masters, highlighting the historical development of conservation practices and their impact on the interpretation and preservation of art. The collaboration between conservators, scientists, and art historians is emphasized as a key aspect of modern conservation, following rigorous ethical standards and training programs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 504 pages
Publication date: 05 December 2023
Publisher: Paul Holberton Publishing Ltd

This captivating volume offers a comprehensive exploration into one of the lesser-known yet essential branches of Art History: conservation. What transpires as art ages? By assembling a collective of esteemed experts in the field, the essays chronicle a journey through the theoretical, aesthetic, and technical discussions surrounding the preservation of Old Masters. The intricate problem of how to care for paintings as they mature is a historically intricate one. Should they be 'restored to their original glory, or should the patina of time be acknowledged? What actions should be taken regarding dampness, dirt, decaying panels, and yellowing varnishes? The evolution of conservation is intricately intertwined with the evolution of Art History itself, as both engage in the interpretation of the past and its safeguarding for the future. The seventeen essays compiled by editors Jane Martineau and David Bomford, originally published in The Burlington Magazine, delve into how these questions have been addressed from the mid-sixteenth century to the present day. Masterpieces such as Jan and Hubert van Eycks Ghent Altarpiece and Rembrandts Night Watch have undergone numerous treatments throughout their long lives. By the nineteenth century, the growing understanding of the techniques employed by the old masters had a profound impact on the treatments applied to their works. Simultaneously, the emergence of national galleries as public institutions responsible for the collective heritage necessitated the preservation of vast numbers of paintings and the establishment of conservation departments grounded in scientific research. By the mid-twentieth century, the materials and techniques of painting had undergone a significant transformation, necessitating innovative approaches to their preservation. A discipline that uniquely occupies the intersection of art, science, and history, conservation plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the invaluable artistic heritage of our world for generations to come.

Dimension: 245 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781916237841