Shattering the Myth of Objectivity in Conservation

By K. M.

Abstract: Conservation, like any other human endeavor, is necessarily coloured with subjectivity, and this subjectivity should be embraced rather than covered up.  The conservator is not some mechanical, objective being which operates outside of history and whose work is beyond reproach; rather, he is a fully human agent embedded in a cultural and intellectual milieu, doing his best to make decisions for the good of other human beings who find value in objects.

Targeted Audience:  An art history, philosophy or conservation conference