Dow Visting Scholar explores science behind art conservation in SVSU lecture

September 29, 2025

Dow Visting Scholar explores science behind art conservation in SVSU lecture

Erich Uffelman, Ph.D., a forensic chemist will present a public lecture on the topic of cultural heritage science. In his talk, "Scientific Adventures with Art History and Cultural Heritage," Uffelman will discuss how the use of noninvasive scientific techniques has transformed art history and art conservation. The lecture will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 6:30 p.m. in the Rhea Miller Recital Hall. The lecture is free and open to the public.

The past 20 years have seen a revolution in non-invasive methods for examining cultural heritage, and the results have been transformative in art history and art conservation. This talk will give many examples of how we can understand artists' intent, artists' techniques, and issues of attribution using various scientific techniques.

Uffelman is the Bentley Professor of Chemistry at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. His research combines chemistry, physics and art history to uncover how artists such as Rembrandt and Vermeer created their works. His research on Dutch masterpieces and pigment analysis has made him a leading voice in the field of cultural heritage science.

He has studied collections at institutions including the National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, using advanced imaging technologies to analyze historic materials and techniques.

During his visit to SVSU, Uffelman also will lead classroom presentations with chemistry, art and physics students. He will provide advanced equipment training to SVSU faculty and demonstrate forensic art techniques at the Saginaw Art Museum.

Uffelman's visit is part of SVSU's Dow Visiting Scholars and Artists Program. Established through an endowment from the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, the program brings distinguished professionals to campus to enrich cultural and intellectual opportunities for students and the community.

Uffelman has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications in cultural heritage science and has mentored over 100 undergraduate researchers. His expertise has influenced both conservation practices and the study of art history.