Why Harvard keeps a secret library of dangerous and rare artistic pigments
In short: The Forbes Pigment Collection is a working research facility at the Harvard Art Museums. It serves as a vital reference library for experts to distinguish between original artworks, later restorations, and modern forgeries by analyzing the specific materials used in their creation.
This collection functions as a scientific standard for researchers, housing a vast array of pigments and binders. Because many of these substances are historically significant, exceptionally rare, or chemically hazardous, the facility is restricted to trained professionals rather than the general public.
By maintaining these authentic samples, the library provides the necessary benchmarks to verify the provenance of art. It acts as a gatekeeper for authenticity, ensuring that the chemical composition of a piece matches the era and artist it is attributed to.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The library of rare colors
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