The Chemistry of Artists' Materials

Undergraduate / Graduate

The goal of this course is to understand the fundamentals of molecular structure as applied to dyes, pigments, and other materials used in art and crafts. Students will gain general scientific literacy skills and engage with fundamental laboratory techniques in an inherently interdisciplinary way. The first part of the course will delve into molecular structure of organic dyes and inorganic pigments as well as principles behind how visible light interacts with these compounds to produce the colors we see. The fundamental set of techniques used to probe and explore these processes is called spectroscopy; these techniques will play a large role in the laboratory component. Throughout the rest of the course, a number of case studies of these principles will be investigated, including natural v. synthetic dyes and historical dye extraction processes, conservation and restoration of fine art, pigments and materials used in pottery, and the chemistry of stained glass. Additional topics will be driven by student interest. Course assignments will include readings, class discussions, homework sets, lab reports, and a final written pape