This is the first volume in a new series focused on the technical study of museum objects through the collaborative efforts of conservators, research scientists, and curators. Written for a professional audience, the publication underscores the importance of a thorough understanding of the context, materials, and technical nature of works of art. This volume includes a history of early objects conservation practices in The Metropolitan Museum of Art; an exploration of the use of lapis lazuli and azurite as pigments in ancient Egypt; two related investigations into the casting methods and materials of early Chinese bronze Buddha figures; a compositional study of medieval Islamic enameled glass; an analysis of the polychrome decoration on four French Romanesque sculptures; and an evaluation of several paintings by Paolo Veronese, addressing a longstanding debate over whether they originated as a group.]]>

Author Biography

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art: Andrea Bayer is Curator, European Paintings; Lawrence Becker is Sherman Fairchild Conservator in Charge; Federico Caro is Andrew W. Mellon Fellow, Department of Scientific Research; Silvia A. Centeno is Research Scientist, Department of Scientific Research; Ann Heywood is Conservator, The Sherman Fairchild Center for Objects Conservation; Lucretia Kargere is Conservator, The Sherman Fairchild Center for Objects Conservation, The Cloisters; Dorothy Mahon is Conservator, The Sherman Fairchild Paintings Conservation Center; Adriana Rizzo is Assistant Research Scientist, Department of Scientific Research; Deborah Schorsch is Conservator, The Sherman Fairchild Center for Objects Conservation; Donna Strahan is Conservator, The Sherman Fairchild Center for Objects Conservation; Mark T. Wypyski is Research Scientist, Department of Scientific Research. Xavier F. Salomon is Curator, Dulwich Picture Gallery, London.