The Cleveland Museum of Art (spacer)
Special Exhibitions
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Picasso: The Artist's Studio
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Picasso: The Artist's Studio

Understanding Picasso Through Conservation (UPTC)


Methods of Scientific Examination

Conservators employ an array of scientific instruments and techniques to assist in the examination of paintings. Some instruments magnify surface details; others allow conservators to look beneath the surface into the underlayers not visible to the naked eye. Different types of analysis can be used to identify materials and learn about an artist's technique. Some of the most common methods include examination by optical microscopy, x-radiography, infrared reflectography, ultraviolet light, paint sampling, and scanning electron microscopy.

Optical Microscopy

X-radiography

Infrared reflectography

Ultraviolet Light

Sampling/Cross Sections

Scanning Electron Microscopy

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