Technical Art History
Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage
Technical Art History
Have you ever wondered what Impressionism would have been without the invention of the paint tube? How the laboratory has contributed to the authentication of Rembrandt’s oeuvre? Why sculptures – but no paintings – survived since Antiquity? These are the kind of questions that are addressed in the emerging field of Technical Art History. This specialisation emphasizes the study of works of art as material objects and bridges the worlds between ‘traditional’ art history, conservation and conservation science. It investigates how the use of specific materials and techniques affect their appearance, and has consequences for the historical development of art.
The UvA is ideally situated to immerse students in the technical study of art objects and materials. The specialisation forms part of the Conservation and Restoration Master’s programme at the UvA and collaborates with the department of Art History, as well as with conservation scientists and museum professionals from the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum.
A unique specialisation
The specialisation in Technical Art History is the first in the Netherlands, and one of the few in the world. Students will have the opportunity to gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience by examining a broad spectrum of materials and art techniques in the visual and applied arts, Western and non-Western, from pre-historical to contemporary art practices.
Technical Art History is situated between the sciences and humanities. It includes courses from several domains: art historical, scientific, practical-analytical and methodological. To ensure exchange of thought and practice from the start, several courses are shared with students of the Conservation and Restoration Master's programme, while others are offered within the departments of Art History and Museum Studies.
In order to familiarise students with professional practice, this specialisation also includes an internship.