Technology in Art and Culture

This field of research is dedicated to the study of materials used in works of art and cultural heritage, as well as the techniques employed in their creation.

Range of Services

Which colourants and binders were used in a work of art? Which artistic techniques were employed? What alterations due to aging do these materials exhibit, and what processes or influences caused them? What stories does a work of art convey? These are just a few of the questions explored in the research field of Technology in Art and Culture. 

This field of research is dedicated to the study of materials used in works of art and cultural heritage, as well as the techniques employed in their creation. It encompasses material analysis, source research, cultural-historical categorization, experimental reconstruction of manufacturing processes and the development of new technologies and research methods. The primary objective is to gain a deeper understanding of the works, particularly in relation to their technological structure, degradation and provenance. 
 

Coordinator

Core Competences

  • Analytical determination of organic and inorganic components of materials 
  • Material testing to determine the physical properties of materials 
  • Imaging techniques for the documentation of art and cultural heritage 
  • Investigations into the technological structure of art and cultural heritage as well as manufacturing processes and artistic techniques 
  • Multidisciplinary research in the fields of art and cultural history, art-technological source research and material semantics 

Ongoing Projects

Selection

Sophie Taeuber-Arp - Material and technique between tradition and innovation

The project examines the production practices and materials of artworks by the Swiss artist Sophie Taeuber-Arp. The knowledge of art technology helps to clarify controversial dating, authenticity and the intention of her works.

Completed Projects

Selection

Contact

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