Scientific studies of museum objects pose special challenges to scientists due in part to the diversity of materials used in creating them and the changes they have undergone. If analysis cannot be carried out in situ, without harming the artifact, severe limitations are nonetheless posed to the size of sample that the analyst is allowed to take. Hence, from the pioneering days when only optical and polarized light microscopies were available, microscopy techniques have played a pivotal role in the analysis of art materials.

Drawing from her most recent experience at the Art Institute, Dr. Casadio will provide an overview of the broad range of applications of microscopic techniques to the field of cultural heritage by curation, assessment of authenticity and provenance, and in developing treatment, storage, and exhibit strategies for the preservation of collections.

Bio Sketch
Francesca Casadio joined the Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) as its first A.W Mellon Conservation Scientist in July 2003, filling a critical role in establishing and directing a conservation science program. Francesca Casadio received her Ph.D. (2001) and M.S. degrees in Chemistry from the University of Milan, Italy.

Prior to her appointment to the Art Institute of Chicago, Dr. Casadio was research fellow in the Science Department at the Getty Conservation Institute, Los Angeles, then at the Italian National Council of Research in Milano where she has conducted analytical research for the preservation of the facade of the Duomo, the Gothic Cathedral in Milan and was involved in a comprehensive study with other leading Italian research groups, to assess the conditions of Michelangelo's David.

Her current research interests focus on vibrational spectroscopies, in particular new applications of FTIR and Raman microspectroscopies, investigations of artists' techniques and applications of synchrotron radiation techniques to studies of museum objects.

In recent years, Dr. Casadio has also been instrumental in developing and managing a pioneering collaborative program in conservation science between AIC and Northwestern University (for more information: www.matsci.northwestern.edu/aic)

Dr. Casadio has published on numerous topics in the conservation science field, dealing with both movable and immovable cultural heritage.