Masterpiece under the Microscope

July 28, 2009 - February 21, 2010

What can science tell us about art? Visit LUMA this summer to discover what Joe Barabe, a scientist at McCrone Associates of Westmont, IL, found when he looked at paint samples under a microscope. What were the paints used by this 18th-century artist made of and from where did they come? See too what a painting looks like in an x-ray. Curator, Jonathan Canning and conservator, Maura Checconi, interpret these scientific discoveries in light of the art history and painting practices of 18th-century Spain.

This exhibition is part of Science Chicago: Life's a Lab.

About Science Chicago
The Museum of Science and Industry is spearheading Science Chicago, a collaboration of more than 140 public and private institutions that have come together to present the world’s largest science celebration. Designed to awaken the inner scientist in each and every one of us, thousands of dynamic and interactive activities will provide hands-on learning; spur thoughtful debate; enhance classroom learning; and build enthusiasm for the pursuit of cutting-edge science while establishing the critical value of science and math education.
For more information, visit www.sciencechicago.com.


Image: Portrait of a Jesuit Saint: San Francisco de Borja, 1726, Bernardo Lorente Germán, Spanish (Seville), oil on canvas. In loving memory of Marilyn M. Simpson, given by her devoted husband and children, 1997-01

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