An odyssey through time at EMPA

For years EMPA has made many contributions to research on historical materi als and their manufacture and conservation in archaeology, restoration and the preservation of historical monuments; areas that are somewhat exotic fo r a materials testing and research institute. This involves complex, prefer ably non-destructive investigations on objects that are often very valuable by means of organic and inorganic analysis methods. The emphasis is on inv estigations of paints and varnishes on paintings and metals such as gold, s ilver, copper, bronze and iron. The analysis of various materials and the a ssociated problems are illustrated by a range of examples.