This Master thesis will investigate the 19th century restorations on red-figure South Italian vases from the National Museum of Antiquities (Leiden, The Netherlands). From a theoretical framework,...Show moreThis Master thesis will investigate the 19th century restorations on red-figure South Italian vases from the National Museum of Antiquities (Leiden, The Netherlands). From a theoretical framework, which considers restoration as being part of an object’s cultural biography, the restoration practices of vase restorers in the Neapolitan antiquities trade of the 19th century will be investigated. Although these restoration practices are still unexplored, recent investigations have led to promising results. Not only the broken parts of the vases seem to have been repaired and completed, also the paintings have been restored in some cases. The National Museum of Antiquities also has a broad collection of Greek pottery. Some of the South Italian vases owned by the museum have their history in the Neapolitan art market of the 19th century. Yet, little is known about the restorations executed on these vases. To know whether –and to what extent– the collection of red-figure South Italian pottery has been restored, ultraviolet fluorescence will be used. This non-destructive method will be applied to distinguish the ancient paint from the 19th century adjustments. This research will not only answer the aforementioned questions, but –together with comparable studies– also hopes to change the contemporary perception of ancient vase paintings.Show less