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MSCI-232C Chemistry of Artist's Materials

3 Credits

This is a hands-on core course that introduces students to the chemistry behind artists’ materials, including the chemistry of frescoes, traditional oil paintings, dyes, inks, illuminated manuscripts and textiles. Laboratory experiments, trips to museums, molecular visualizations of materials, films and multimedia presentations also part of the course. By the end of the semester, students produce their own fresco and tempera paintings, illuminated manuscripts and dyed textiles and are able to discuss the chemistry involved in each of these processed and how these different typed of works of art deteriorate with time.