News articles often frame the scientific study of artworks as a recent phenomenon, highlighting the latest discoveries about paintings by artists of great renown whose works command the highest values at auction. The reality of science in the art world is quite different. Scientists are called in to provide attribution data on a single major work like Salvator Mundi, the (maybe) Leonardo da Vinci painting on panel that recently sold for a stratospheric price. However, this work is also part of a long and unbroken chain, starting in the nineteenth century, full of important discoveries that have given us a greater understanding about the creation and preservation of some of the world’s most famous artworks, including those by painters such as Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Edvard Munch, and Paul Cézanne.

Jennifer L. Mass, Ph.D. is the President and Founder of Scientific Analysis of Fine Art, LLC, a scientific consulting firm for cultural heritage based in New York City. Dr. Mass will discuss discoveries about each of these painters, including the secrets behind their paintings’ luminosity and enduring beauty. Museum scientists carry out this work as part of a large team that includes not only scientists but also art conservators and art historians. Unlike the brilliant palettes of the painters listed above, she will also demonstrate how the concept of authenticity is in fact something rendered in many shades of grey, with attributions frequently being overturned as new information about an artwork comes to light.

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Join us at one or both evenings featuring acclaimed speakers who will inspire new ways of thinking about art, culture, and science. Each evening includes a festive cocktail hour, live music, delicious three-course dinner with wine and dessert prepared by Executive Chef David Rosner, and a presentation by the featured speaker.

Funds raised for Art à la carte help the Museum bring world-class exhibitions and creative and effective educational programming for the Santa Barbara community.

Visit sbmawb.org to purchase tickets, become a sponsor, learn more about each speaker, or to make a contribution.

For additional information, contact Karen Kawaguchi at kkawaguchi@sbma.net or 805.884.6428.