The Andreas Pittas Art Characterization Laboratories (APAC Labs) at The Cyprus Institute (CyI) pursue key inquiries, research problems and innovative approaches in art history, archaeology and cultural heritage, through the application of advanced science and technology.
Established with the generous support of Dr. Andreas Pittas and commencing its full operational capacity in 2019, APAC Labs consolidated knowledge, expertise and instrumentation acquired under EU-funded project STARLAB towards Art Characterization research. Furthermore, the establishment of APAC Labs builds on the collaboration of the Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Center’s (STARC) with the Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France (C2RMF).
© APAC Technical examination of ‘The Crucifixion’ by Giovanni Baronzio, end of 1320s
Integrating expertise in art history, digital heritage and visualization, and physico-chemical analyses, the development of an interdisciplinary research pipeline, based on portable and bench instrumentation, aims at the digital, imaging and analytical investigation of works of art, artefacts, monuments and sites.
Moving beyond the confines of a state-of-the-art lab, APAC Labs embrace a holistic approach to art characterization possible through cross-disciplinary scientific exchange that is driven by broad inquiries in art history and the humanities. The laboratories’ research is part of key Euro-pean initiatives on Cultural Heritage and Heritage Science, such as ERIHS and IPERION-HS.
© APAC Digital microscopy study of a terracotta statue fragment from Salamis, Cyprus
Operating within the broader scope of the STARC’s research facilities, APAC Labs provide a broad approach to art characterization, pursuing:
A) Research, to advance the effective use of heritage science and technology in the characterization of works of art, monuments and archaeological material.
B) Innovation, to develop task-specific service protocols related to material characterization, provenance, state of preservation and identification of works of art and heritage artefacts.
C) Training and Education, through workshops and seminars of experts in art history, archaeology and the humanities, for practitioners, students and citizens at large.
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Email: apaclabs@cyi.ac.cy
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