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As Light Meets Matter

Art Under Scrutiny

By Eleonora Del Federico, Steven T. Diver, Monika I. Konaklieva, Richard Ludescher

As Light Meets Matter


 

Abstract

In this dilemma case, the central character, a museum curator, must decide whether or not to show a painting as a hitherto “undiscovered” Cezanne. The stylistic analysis suggests it is for real, but data obtained using different spectroscopic techniques are inconclusive. Students study the data and then make a decision as to whether they believe the painting is authentic or a fake. Written for a general chemistry course for non-majors, the case could be used in a variety of other courses including general chemistry for science majors, introduction to spectroscopy, instrumental analysis, and conservation science. It could also be adapted for use in other non-majors science courses with the focus of discussion on how scientific data can be used to authenticate or de-authenticate a work of art.

   

Date Posted

05/22/2002

Overview

Objectives

  • Learn the basic concepts of electromagnetic radiation and its interaction with matter.
  • Learn the basics of spectroscopy and the types of information given by IR, X-ray, and UV-visible spectra.
  • Discuss the different types of data and their relevance and limitations.
  • Suggest further experiments that might be needed to resolve the dilemma.
  • Examine whether science can prove an artwork to be original and the limitations of the scientific method.

Keywords

Electromagnetic radiation; spectroscopy; spectra; infrared; IR; X-ray; ultra-violet; UV-visible; UV-vis; art analysis; art forgery; Cezanne

  

Subject Headings

Analytical Chemistry
Chemistry (General)

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

Scientific method

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Analysis (Issues), Dilemma/Decision, Discussion

 

 

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