University of Pardubice
Study programmes & Course catalogue
for academic year 2025/2026
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Course: Technology of Restoration and Conservation of Artworks on Paper Support and Related Materials III

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Course title Technology of Restoration and Conservation of Artworks on Paper Support and Related Materials III
Course code KCHTFR/TEC3U
Organizational form of instruction Lecture
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 1
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Lesniaková Petra, Ing. Ph.D.
Course content
Block 1: Paint Layer, Pigments - General Aspects, Properties, Terminology - Introduction: painting and polychromy, painting materials, composition of paint layer - Structure of painting and polychromy: general structure of painting and polychromy, function of layers, painting techniques - Paint layer, composition and properties: components and their functions - General properties of pigments: colour, hue, refractive index, opacity, tinting strength, toxicity, permanence, compatibility etc. - Classification of pigments: by composition, origin, colour, toxicity, stability - Historical overview of pigments: earliest use of pigments, development of their use in fine art, groups of pigments Block 2: Pigments I - Basic Properties, Composition, Use, Sources, Historical Development - White pigments: basic white pigments, properties - Yellow pigments: basic yellow pigments, properties - Red pigments: basic red pigments, properties - Violet pigments: basic violet pigments, properties Block 3: Pigments II - Basic Properties, Composition, Use, Sources, Historical Development - Blue pigments: basic blue pigments, properties - Green pigments: basic green pigments, properties - Brown pigments: basic brown pigments, properties - Black pigments: basic black pigments, properties Block 4: Gilding Techniques - Materials, Techniques, Technology, Terminology - History of gilding techniques, gilded objects - examples, historical production of metal leaf - Gilding materials: overview of materials, properties of metals - Gilding techniques: bole gilding, ground gilding, oil gilding (mixtion, mordant), water-based gilding, mercury gilding (fire gilding and cold gilding), techniques using powders and flakes - Decorative techniques: engraving and embossing, punching, sgraffito, relief gilding (appliqués, pressbrocade, tin relief), gilding on paint, painting on gilding, gold lacquer, glazes Block 5: Alteration of the Paint Layer, Pigments and Binders - General principles of degradation of paintings: external and internal factors; physical, chemical and biological mechanisms of damage - Degradation of natural organic binders - Interactions between pigments and binders: saponification, formation of oxalates - Alteration of pigments: lake pigments, lead pigments, vermilion, ultramarine, Prussian blue, smalt, copper pigments, bone black, bitumen/asphalt, silver leaf - Surface hazes on paintings Block 6: Examination of Paintings and Polychromy - Overview of Methods in Optimal Sequence - Revision of previous lessons, synthesis of knowledges from introduced topics - Introduction: aims of examination, types of examination, terminology - Non-invasive examination / imaging methods - Non-invasive examination / analytical methods - Invasive examination: sampling, strategy, documentation and sampling records - Invasive examination / microscopic methods - Invasive examination / elemental analysis - Invasive examination / molecular analysis - Specifics of identifying organic/polymeric substances/binders

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing), Dialogic (discussion, interview, brainstorming)
  • Participation in classes - 24 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
The course presents to students the properties of painting, polychromy/colour layers and pigments, gilding techniques, and introduces them to related topics. Students of all disciplines meet these areas both during practical restoration at the Faculty of Restoration and in their future professional careers. The course focuses not only on the basic characteristics of these materials, but also on their degradation and alteration processes, as well as on methods of their examination. It provides an overview of pigments commonly used in art throughout history, including their composition, sources, and main properties.

Prerequisites
unspecified

Assessment methods and criteria
Written examination

Assignment: written test.
Recommended literature
  • Bayerová, T., Šimůnková E. Pigmenty. .
  • Eastaugh, N., Walsh, V., Chaplin, T., Siddal, R. Pigment Compendium. .
  • Lesniaková, P. Prezentace s textem k předmětu TEC3. .
  • Losos, L. Pozlacování a polychromie. .
  • Šefců R., Antušková V. Pigmenty. Užití, vlastnosti a identifikace. 1. díl. Praha. 2024.
  • Šefců R., Antušková V. Pigmenty. Užití, vlastnosti a identifikace. 2. díl. Praha. 2025.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
University of Pardubice, date of update: 16.03.2026 23:51. Data created for academic year 2025/2026