“Revealing the Authentic: Ancient American Objects in the Public Eye”

“Revealing the Authentic: Ancient American Objects in the Public Eye”

Pre-Columbian Society of Washington DC August Lecture
August 2, 6:45 PM
http://www.pcswdc.org/monthly_lecture.php

When collections transfer from private to public domains they are re-evaluated for their new role in conveying information to the public. Objects conservator Julie Lauffenburger will discuss, through case studies, the detective work done on new collections of ancient American art at the Walters Art Museum. Using examples from Meso-, Central, and South America, Julie will describe the multi-faceted approach taken by museums to tackle the difficult issues of authenticity, over-restoration, and materials identification.

Julie Lauffenburger brings more than 20 years of experience to her roles as the Assistant Division Director of Conservation and Technical Research and the William B. Ziff Jr. Conservator of Objects at the Walters Art Museum. Julie coordinated the research and treatment of the John Bourne collection gift of ancient American art at the Walters since its arrival in 2009. In addition to her current focus on ancient American materials and techniques, she has lectured and published on such diverse topics as polychrome tiles from Byzantium, Thai sculptural techniques, the use and identification of baleen in museum collections, and technical studies of nineteenth century French bronzes. Julie received her MA in Art Conservation from the State University College at Buffalo.

Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives,
1201 17th Street  NW.
Washington DC