As time passes, chemical reactions can cause artwork to deteriorate. Exposure to certain substances, such as moisture, acid, light, or pollutants, could work against the artist's intentions.
At the same time, chemistry can help restore artwork to its initial state. Restorers can reverse the effects of time and exposure to the elements. Similarly, properties of substances can be utilized to prevent these reactions from occurring or causing artwork to decay.
A. David Gale Studios. The Lunder Conservation Center Laboratory. Digital image. Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 27 Sept. 2007. Web. 17 Apr. 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Lunder_Conservation_Center_Laboratory.jpg>.
B. Piero della Francesca - A detail after and before restoration. Digital image. Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 13 June 2011. Web. 17 Apr. 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Piero_della_Francesca_-_A_detail_after_and_before_restoration_-_WGA17593.jpg>.
C. Piero della Francesca - Scene after and before restoration. Digital image. Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 13 June 2011. Web. 17 Apr. 2014. <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Piero_della_Francesca_-_Scene_after_and_before_restoration_-_WGA17592.jpg>.
D. Diego Velazquez, Philip III on Horseback. Digital image. Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 6 Dec. 2011. Web. 17 Apr. 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Diego_Vel%C3%A1zquez,_Philip_III_on_Horseback._Before_and_after_conservation.jpg>.
E. Fine Art Gallery. Painting Art Conservation & Restoration. Digital image. Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 7 July 2011. Web. 17 Apr. 2014. <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Painting_Art_Conservation_%26_Restoration.jpg>.
F. Mbboston. Painting damaged by fire. Digital image. Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 4 April 2012. Web. 17 Apr. 2014. <http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Painting_damaged_by_fire.jpg>.
