Resources
Studying and Conserving Paintings
This is the first volume of Occasional Papers on the Samuel H. Kress Collection. The book marks the tenth anniversary of the Kress Program. The first part is an overview of historic approaches to the conservation of European paintings and the conservation history of the Kress collection of paintings. The second part gives the results of scientific and humanistic research gained in the process of conserving specific Italian and Dutch Old Masters.
Masterpieces: Based on a Manuscript by Mario Modestini
Masterpieces by Dianne Modestini is based on a memoir written by the author’s late husband, Mario Modestini (1907-2006), Conservator and Curator of the Samuel H. Foundation from 1949-1961. He was widely regarded as the finest restorer of Italian paintings of the 20th century and a brilliant connoisseur possessed with, as Federico Zeri wrote, “an infallible eye.” His position at the Kress Foundation exposed him to the international art world where he dealt with museum directors and curators, scholars, dealers, collectors, and other conservators and was involved with the acquisition and restoration of innumerable masterpieces.
Samuel H. Kress Lecture
The Institute of Fine Arts' Samuel H. Kress Lecture, delivered by a prominent scholar in conservation, presents important issues within the fields of paintings conservation and technical art history. This annual event is made possible through the generosity of the Kress Foundation.
Papers, Presentations, and Posters
Browse a selection of papers and presentations relating to research conducted on Kress paintings. Art historical discussions are often illucidated by discoveries unveiled through conservation treatments. These include postprints of talks presented at the annual ANAGPIC (Association of North American Graduate Programs in the Conservation of Cultural Property) student conference.
Reconstruction Projects
As part of their training, students undertake a complete reconstruction of a painting from the Kress Collection on which they have done a thorough technical study, and preferably treated. These reconstructions allow the student to gain intimate knowledge of an artist’s technique, materials, and workshop production. As the project unfolds, many observations and inferences, obtained through technical analysis, are put to the test. In doing so, the students achieve a more sophisticated and nuanced understanding about the original appearance of the artwork, and often stumble upon unforeseen insights into the artist's processes, interests, and influences.
Bibliography
We have compiled a select bibliography of external publications and resources, organized by period and subject matter, for further reference.
Glossary
Conservation uses specialized terminology which may be unfamiliar to some. We have created this illustrated glossary defining and discussing some frequently referenced terms and concepts.
Additional Resources
Explore external archives and resources relating to the Samuel H. Kress Collection.
