Why material knowledge matters.

Materia: Journal of Technical Art History is a digital, open-access peer-reviewed journal for the technical study of art objects. We serve a broad readership—from conservation specialists, academic and museum professionals to anyone interested in the materiality of artworks. Our contributors include practicing conservators and conservation scientists, art historians, and researchers across material culture, archaeology, and social anthropology. As a scholarly forum connecting these fields, Materia highlights the value of examining cultural heritage through a material lens.

Through object-based study, Materia presents interdisciplinary work ranging from technical case studies and discussion pieces to feature-length articles grounded in art-historical context and new theoretical frameworks. The journal also provides a platform for primary research by students and emerging professionals in conservation and technical art history. Materia welcomes researchers at every career stage while creating opportunities for students to participate in peer review and assess one another’s work.

Materia is published entirely online and is freely accessible. This format supports more sustainable publishing while encouraging exchange across institutions, disciplines, and borders. Through this commitment to access, we hope to make a timely and lasting contribution to the growing field of technical art history.