A Penn Museum, “The Deep Dig” lecture series. Virtual attendance, registration required, $175 for general public, $125 for Penn Museum members. Convenes Tuesdays.
The Penn Museum’s upcoming Ancient Egypt and Nubia Galleries will showcase an extensive and impressive collection of artifacts. This course will deepen your understanding of the conservation challenges and techniques used to preserve these invaluable pieces of history. Through a series of expert-led lectures, we will explore various aspects of artifact conservation—from the preservation of materials to the reconstruction of monumental architecture. You’ll enjoy a rare glimpse into the meticulous work of maintaining and restoring these ancient treasures for future generations.
Week 1: Introduction to the Preservation and Conservation of Ancient Egyptian Artifacts
Conservator Molly Gleeson shares how ancient Egyptian artifacts have endured through time, giving insights into ancient repair techniques, as well as modern collaborative efforts with Egyptian colleagues. We’ll cover the life cycle of artifacts, fieldwork experiences, and the history of conservation treatments.
Week 2: Preservation of Organic Materials
Delve into the preservation of organic materials, such as wood, which have survived remarkably well in Egypt’s arid climate. Using case studies such as wooden tomb models and the coffin of Ahanakt from the Middle Kingdom, we’ll study the challenges of conserving organic materials once they are in museum environments from conservator Michaela Paulson. She’ll emphasize the methods and protocols essential for the long-term care of these fragile items.
Week 3: Reconstructing Monumental Architecture
The focus will shift to the reconstruction of monumental stone architecture within the Penn Museum’s galleries. Conservator Julia Commander will cover the stabilization and assembly of large sculptures and architectural fragments from the palace of Pharaoh Merenptah. Explore the latest research and techniques in stone conservation, and see how museum practices in architectural preservation have evolved.
Week 4: Preservation and Science of Ancient Color
Marvel in the vibrant colors that characterize ancient Egyptian artifacts with conservator Tessa de Alarcon. Learn about the identification and preservation of paints and pigments, including how conservators address changes over time and determine original colors. We’ll also cover the treatments and approaches used to care for polychrome surfaces.