Conservation at the Art Institute of Chicago (Museum Studies (Art Institute of Chicago))

This fascinating volume explores how research, craft, and technology are united in the Art Institute of Chicago's mission to preserve its collection and further art-historical knowledge. Addressing the many challenges conservators face, the publication highlights their work on objects from throughout the museum, including books, furniture, electronic media, paintings, photographs, posters, sculpture, and textiles. An introductory essay traces the development of the profession and its specific history at the Art Institute. Case studies written by the museum's conservators and curators examine diverse works ranging from an ancient Egyptian statue of Osiris to Bruce Nauman's video "Clown Torture. "The authors explore how they determine appropriate treatment, uncover an artist's intentions and techniques, and employ pathbreaking new technologies.

Beyond its central premise, the book can be read through the connected lenses of Nonfiction. Those themes offer useful points of attention as the characters, ideas, or world develop, especially where the book complicates the expectations of its primary category.