This volume of preprints, prepared for an international symposium on Historical Painting Techniques, Materials, and Studio Practice at the University of Leiden, the Netherlands, 26-29 June 1995, contains the results of work on historical painting techniques from all parts of the world. The suggestion to organize such a meeting was raised during the symposium on the Technology of Art Works from the Central European Region organized by the Archives of Art Technology in Prague in 1993. The Prague symposium emphasized Czech painters and their techniques. To broaden the scope of attention, Erma Hermens of the Art History Institute of the University of Leiden and Marja Peek of the Art Historical Department of the Central Research Laboratory for Objects of Art and Science in Amsterdam took on the task of organizing a second meeting in Leiden. The purpose of the symposium and this publication is to promote a greater understanding of the changing boundaries and interaction between art historians, conservators, and conservation scientists working in the fields of historical painting techniques-including wall paintings and polychrome sculpture-painting materials, and studio practice.
In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in historical painting techniques. The study of the painting techniques and materials used throughout history and in various cultures is by nature an interdisciplinary exercise.