Many Colors

After years of study and research, enjoy a deep dive into the history of ancient varnishes and the secrets of their coloration, analysed with fluorescence.

Many analyses have been performed on historical violin maker’s work showing that in many cases no trace of pigments were found in their colored varnishes, even intense ones. This conference will explore the historical techniques that have been used to color those and the chemical principles involved, supported by a new analysis outlook using UV fluorescence. 

About the conference

  • . Brief overview of the evolution of varnish through European history

    . Overview of the uses of transparent colored varnishes during European history

    . The evolution of violin maker’s varnish during the Italian Renaissance

  • . Explanation of the chemical principles involved

    . Recipes of the different techniques

    . Practical test of the materials

  • . Theory of UV fluorescence

    . Confrontation of samples under UV light

.2nd March 2023 @ Florian Léonard shop, London UK

.23 September 2022 @ Amorim shop, Cremona IT

.24 September 2022 @ Piazza giovanni XXIII, Cremona IT

PAST EVENTS

.25 Septembert 2022 @ Eric Blot shop, Cremona IT

.27 July 2022 @ Mosa shop, Cremona IT