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Physics and paintings – a note on the cover
Author(s) -
Bucklow Spike
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
physica status solidi (b)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.51
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1521-3951
pISSN - 0370-1972
DOI - 10.1002/pssb.201341619
Subject(s) - painting , cover (algebra) , term (time) , visual arts , computer science , engineering ethics , data science , art , engineering , physics , mechanical engineering , quantum mechanics
A basic understanding of the physical composition of historic works of art, such as Old Master paintings, is essential for their long‐term preservation. Such a broad understanding has largely been obtained over the last fifty years. However, a more sophisticated understanding of paintings' complex structures can also provide evidence of their modes of production. Such research can offer insights into historic technologies, of which surviving paintings are some of the finest products. This paper is an overview that uses a few examples to illustrate the sophisticated scientific and technological infrastructures that supported the creation of European art up to the 17th century. It briefly indicates how knowledge about material behaviour was transmitted and then lost. It treats great paintings as engineered structures made to the most exacting specifications and suggests that the physical nature of artworks offers researchers significant challenges.