The Netherlands Institute for Conservation+Art+Science+ (NICAS) will hold a two-day conference ‘Journey into the Ageing & Alterations of Paintings’ (JAAP) at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam on 3 and 4 April 2025.

In recent decades, scientific research has provided new insights into the fundamental aspects of the composition and ageing processes in paints prompting a re-evaluation of our perception of paintings and the concepts of conservation.

Scope

This conference will explore how molecular research contributes to deeper insights into the creation and craftsmanship of paintings and to decision-making and treatments in both active and preventive conservation of paintings. It highlights the interdisciplinary nature of conservation science, showcasing the latest advances in technology and molecular material sciences. The conference will bring together different expertise, insights and knowledge. It will serve as a platform to expand our knowledge on paints, to develop new strategies for conservation treatments, preventive conservation and art historical interpretation.

Programme

The programme comprises a two-day conference with lectures and poster sessions with pitches. The social program includes a conference dinner for participants on 3 April for which a separate ticket needs to be purchased. The venue for the conference is the Auditorium of the Rijksmuseum.

Dedication to Jaap Boon

The conference is organised in honour of Prof Dr Jaap Boon who passed away on 4 April 2024. Jaap Boon was at the forefront of molecular research on artworks and played a significant role in the development of the conservation science field

Conference Topics

We invite abstracts for oral presentations and posters on the following topics:

  1. Molecular Insights: The Impact of Molecular Changes on the Perception and Interpretation of Paintings;
  2. Beyond the Lens: Cutting-Edge Microscopic Imaging Techniques and Advanced Sample Preparation;
  3. Unravelling the Spectrum: Innovations and Challenges in Mass Spectrometry of Paint Materials;
  4. Analogous Twins: The Use of Reconstructions in the Study of Paint Alterations;
  5. Shifting Perspectives: The Ageing of Paintings and how it has Informed Painting Conservation Practice and Decision-making.

The abstracts will be shared with participants at the conference.

Abstract submission

Abstract submission link will open at the end of September. Please submit your abstract through this link before 8 November 2024. Presenters will be notified by 6 December 2024.

Local organisation

  • Apas Zwart and Sandra Pastoor
  • Klaas Jan van den Berg
  • Katrien Keune

Scientific committee

  • Robert van Langh
  • Aviva Burnstock
  • Esther Ferreira
  • Leslie Carlyle
  • Petria Noble
  • Annelies van Loon
  • Ida Bronken
  • Ella Hendriks
  • Francesca Casadio
  • Julie Arsanoglu

JAAP is organised by the Netherlands Institute for Conservation+Art+Science (NICAS). For questions about this conference, please email us at jaap@nicas-research.nl.

3 and 4 April 2025

Registration

Early Bird registration will open on 1 November. Ticket prices are:

  • Early bird (until 1 February, max. 100): €225
  • Regular: €325
  • Student (max. 20): €100
  • Participants dinner: €30

Please note that all ticket purchases for the conference are final and non-refundable.