The Chemistry and Mechanism of Art Materials Unsuspected Properties and Outcomes

The book discusses artists' materials focusing on relevant chemical mechanisms which underlie the synthesis and deterioration of inorganic pigments in paintings, the ageing of the binder in oil paintings, and sulfation of wall paintings as well as the toxicology of these pigments and solvents used by artists. Mechanisms illustrate the stepwise structural transformation of a variety of art materials.
Based on the author's years of experience teaching college chemistry, the approach is descriptive and non-mathematical throughout. An introductory section includes a review of basic concepts and provides concise descriptions of analytical methods used in contemporary art conservation.
Additional features include:
Illustrations of chemical reactivity associated with art materialsIncludes a review of chemical bonding principles, redox and mechanism writingCovers analytical techniques used by art conservation scientistsAccessible for readers with a limited science backgroundProvides numerous references for readers seeking additional information