The History of Drawings Conservation and Its Ethics

In response, conservators - as well as restorers and collectors before them - have developed treatments to remediate, stabilize, and improve the appearance of affected drawings. Examining the history of these practices, in turn, invites discussion on critical issues.

This two-day symposium explores the history and ethics of drawings conservation, from early restoration methods to contemporary approaches in professional practice. By examining how drawings have been repaired, stabilized, and preserved over time, the sessions consider the evolving standards of care and address ethical questions of intervention. They also reflect on the role of material evidence in art-historical interpretation and the changing responsibilities of artists, conservators, curators, and collectors over a drawing’s lifetime.