Conservation in the Nineteenth Century

This volume focuses on both the theoretical and technical aspects of conservation in the nineteenth century, as well as their impact on the profession today. It examines the evolution of documentation and its impact on the professionalization of conservation, nineteenth-century treatment methods and the use of nineteenth-century technology in the conservation of cultural heritage.

The conservation profession has its roots in the intellectual movements of the first half of the nineteenth century. Scholarly study of objects made available by important archeological excavations and discoveries gave birth to the first debates on theoretical issues of preservation. Additionally, playing a significant role in conservation practice were nineteenth-century technical inventions brought about by the industrial revolution and political events disrupting Europe in the first decades of the nineteenth century. This volume will explore the development of conservation in the nineteenth century.