Museo Nacional del Prado (PRADO), ES 
About
The Prado Museum, one of the most
important museums in the world, is a public institution located in
Madrid entrusted with the conservation, research and diffusion of
their collections.
The Conservation Department has been
organized in three sections: Restoration (painting, sculpture and
decorative arts, graphic documents and frames), Technical
Documentation Section and Analysis Laboratory with a permanent
staff of 37 people.
The scientific facilities are
provided with modern technology to analyze art materials and to
carry out technical studies. The subjects of research are mainly
concerned to paintings although other artistic materials are
considered. Other research activities are related to the
restoration products and procedures and the improvement of imaging
techniques for documentation of works of art, among
others
Relevant experience & role:
PRADO has a long experience in technical studies and
materials analysis research. Part of the research is done in
collaboration with other Spanish and international museums.
Considering Prado’s collection characteristics, the research is
mainly devoted to paintings belonging to either Flemish, Italian or
Spanish schools, with a special interest in the Spanish. General or
specific studies related to an artist, group of paintings or single
painting are carried out as well as continuous assessment for works
of art in the course of restoration treatments.
PRADO participates in WP2 and WP3 (Coordination), WP5 (Support –
ARCHLAB) and WP8 ( RTD). The involvement in the coordination
activities will consist of the organization of meetings and
workshops aimed at acquiring greater knowledge of the techniques
and materials used in the work of the Old Masters, especially those
of the Spanish school.
Furthermore, PRADO in the ARCHLAB context will join the access of
data related to artistic materials and techniques, their history
and technology as well as deterioration processes.
PRADO will also contribute to WP8 in the development of new
methodologies for identification of organic materials in artworks
like binders, dyes and varnishes. PRADO facilities include FTIR
techniques (ATR and Microscope), GC-MS and HPLC (PDA, RID, FD) and
also OM and SEM-EDX if would be necessary.
Website address:
www.museodelprado.esTeam Leader
Name: María Dolores Gayo Responsible of Analysis LaboratoryAddress: Restoration Department Scientific Laboratory, Ruiz de Alarcón 23 28014 Madrid, ES
E-mail: [email protected]
