Materials in Art and Design

In recent years materials science is increasingly applied to the study of art and archaeological objects. This field is known as archaeometry and it includes three research directions. First of all, authenticity studies on art objects rely on material analysis of the object. Second, artworks suffer from degradation studies that need to be understood at a materials science level. Third, stylistic developments in art history can often be related to the development of new materials or production techniques.

The main challenge in this field is to bridge the interface between the humanities and the sciences. Interpreting the findings of materials science in a non-scientific, historical context is the crucial skill in this course. Besides literature study and lecturing, the course includes excursions to art and archaeological collections.