Constructing Nature: Art, Conservation, and Applied Zooarchaeology

The art and science of constructing the molecules of nature.

E mbedded within this issue of PNAS is a Special Feature* comprising 3 Perspectives and 25 research articles dealing with the theme of natural product synthesis— the art and science of constructing the molecules of nature in the laboratory. The birth of this discipline coincides with the synthesis of urea by Friedrich Wöhler from ammonium cyanate in 1828, because this compound is a naturally oc...

Nature of Art Therapy

Optical and Digital Holographic Interferometry Applied in Art Conservation Structural Diagnosis

The holographic technology is not based on light penetration but on reflection of diffused laser beams from the artwork surface. Holography and related techniques involved in structural diagnosis do not require any sample removal or surface preparation and are safe for use on varnishes and pigments. In this context, the techniques can be classified as non-destructive, non-contact and non-invasive.

Alkali-Ion-Crown Ether in Art and Conservation: The Applied Bioinorganic Chemistry Approach

Dried varnish is rich in many ester moieties, which may be broken down into small, soluble compounds by esterase activity or alkaline hydrolysis. Two methods for varnish removal have been developed, including the treatment of either lipase or RbOH / PEG-400 crown ether which allow aged oil varnishes or paint coverings to be removed or thinned. These techniques are designed to proceed in a contr...

Fractals: A Resonance between Art and Nature

The discovery of fractal patterns was an interesting advance in the understanding of nature [1, 2]. Since the 1970s many natural scenes have been shown to be composed of fractal patterns. Examples include coastlines, clouds, lightning, trees, rivers and mountains. Fractal patterns are referred to as a new geometry because they look nothing like the more traditional shapes such as triangles and ...