Seeing Art’s Bones: X-Raying Plant Fiber Objects at the Getty Villa
We’re all familiar with the X-rays used to take images of people’s bones and teeth at medical and dental facilities. But did you know... Read More
science
Seeing Artwork in a New Light
Jim Druzik is obsessed with light. More particularly, he’s concerned with the destructive power of light on priceless museum treasures, and it’s his pioneering... Read More
A Project of Seismic Proportions
As Californians, we are well aware of the damage that results from earthquakes, even in new buildings constructed with modern materials. But what happens... Read More
Forensic Techniques Illuminate a New Acquisition
The recently acquired white-ground lekythos on display in Women and Children in Antiquity (Gallery 207) at the Getty Villa is a handsome addition to... Read More
Uncorking the Secrets to Ancient Cocktails
Update—We’ve posted video excerpts from Patrick McGovern’s talk. See below for his discussion of Midas Touch, here for Chateau Jiahu, and here for Theobroma.... Read More
From Green Umber to Azurite, Walnut Oil to Egyptian Sandstone, Reference Collection Helps Scientists Analyze Art Data
Art Kaplan is on a mission. At my request, he’s looking for a particular yellow pigment to show me—and there are hundreds of yellows... Read More
Ancient Greek Pottery Lends Its Secrets to Future Space Travel
Science connects future space travel with ancient ceramic pots.
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Archaeologist Kathryn Gleason on Roman Gardens
Kathryn Gleason is an expert on Roman gardens and a pioneer in the field of garden archaeology, an exciting and relatively new field. In... Read More
What’s Simmering in That Beaker? Understanding Ancient Technology by Manufacturing Pigments
Powdered saffron, simmering roots, crushed leaves…no, it’s not what’s cooking in the kitchen, but what’s been cooking at the Getty Villa this quarter for... Read More
Leonardo da Vinci, Anatomist
Leonardo da Vinci worked for 25 years on a complete guide to the human form that would have transformed the study of anatomy in... Read More
What Does Plastic Have to Do with Art?
Many types of plastic used in artworks are now beginning to exhibit serious signs of deterioration – discoloration, crazing and cracking, warping, becoming sticky, and in extreme cases, turning completely to powder. The sheer number of plastics available constitutes a huge challenge for the conservation profession.
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Accelerated Aging Lab: The Scariest Place at the Getty?
For those of us over 21, the idea of premature aging is definitely not attractive. Every time I pass the Getty Conservation Institute’s Accelerated... Read More