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


Conservator examining a painting with a binocular or
Conservator examining a painting with a binocular or "stereo" microscope

Optical Microscopy

Optical microscopy refers to examination by a microscope or magnifying lens-an extremely useful technique for studying a painting's surface, condition, and physical construction. Magnifying devices range in power and complexity from small, hand-held lens (3x to 10x) to large binocular microscopes (6x to 50x). Optical magnifiers can disclose details of brushwork, the nature of pigments, texture, wear, repairs, losses, and other aspects of a painting's condition. Examination by microscope of small cracks and losses, especially those penetrating to the underlying ground or canvas, may also reveal an artist's layering technique. High magnification can help distinguish between materials that may appear similar to the naked eye, such as graphite and charcoal.

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