Wellesley Chemistry Department courses for 2001-2002 on the relationships between art and chemistry: Chemistry 103, Chemistry and Art; and Chemistry 306, Environmental Chemistry and Art, a special topics seminar. Chemistry Professor Margaret V. Merritt teaches both courses in consultation with members of the Wellesley College Art Department and staff of the Davis Museum and Cultural Center. Her chemistry research includes pigment identification in painted West African sculpture. As a studio artist, she is a hand papermaker.

Chemistry 103. Chemistry and Art with Laboratory
This course will develop students' understanding of the chemical principles underlying the creation of art objects by in-depth studies of the interrelationship of the artist's materials and methods. The coursework will include lectures, readings, and laboratory work in etching and metalwork, photography, fiber art (papermaking and textile dyeing), and painting. Modeling studies on student-made fresco paintings will demonstrate the effects of environmental pollutants on artwork. The use of chemical analysis for authenticating art will be learned through case studies and hands-on use of instrumentation common to museum scientists and conservators. The semester lab work will allow each student to develop a portfolio of chemical art. Two class meetings and one lab (three and one-half hours) each week.

Prerequisite: Open to all students except those who have taken any Grade I Chemistry course or with the permission of the instructor.
Distribution: Natural and Physical Science
Semester: Spring Unit: 1.25

Chemistry 306. Environmental Chemistry and Art
This seminar will explore the chemistry of art conservation. Case studies, such as the restoration of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, will be used to investigate the chemistry for creation of wall paintings as well as their degradation and preservation. The science of paintings will be studied in depth to understand their natural aging processes as well as the deleterious effects of atmospheric pollutants on them. Other topics include the following: Environmental effects on outdoor sculpture; the chemical and physical interactions between gallery display conditions and art objects; the chemistry of making, preserving, and cleaning paper and other fiber arts. Students will have the opportunity for some lab or studio work as part of the seminar.

Prerequisite: Open to all students regardless of major who have completed two units of chemistry beyond the 100-level and who have permission of the instructor.
Distribution: Natural and Physical Science
Semester: Fall Unit: 1.0

back to top

• Professor Margaret Merritt, Wellesley College Chemistry Department
  
• Created by: Leslie Chang '04 & Jerina Hajno '04
  
• Page Created: July 23, 2001
  
• Last Modified: August 6, 2001
  
• Page Expires: August 31, 2002