Marco Leona is the David H. Koch Scientist in Charge of the Department of Scientific Research at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in conversation with Claudio Pagliara, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in New York, reveals what happens behind the scenes of exhibitions, in the scientific laboratory of New York’s largest museum. Works of art are studied with the most sophisticated non-invasive technologies available, from spectroscopy (Raman/SERS) to XRF mapping and imaging—making it possible to “read” materials and processes, reveal restorations and stratigraphies, distinguish the artist’s choices from transformations due to aging, and support attributions and conservation decisions. The lecture presents concrete case studies in which technology does not replace the human eye, but enhances it: making visible traces, colors, and micro-stories that nourish research, preservation, and museum storytelling.
Bio
Marco Leona is the David H. Koch Scientist in Charge of the Department of Scientific Research at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the largest scientific laboratory in an art museum in the United States, which he founded in 2004.
Dr. Leona and his team investigate the complexity of works of art through the scientific study of the materials and techniques employed by artists of every culture and time. Through their work, they tell stories about art, its context, and the people who make it, highlighting cultural practices, economic and social relationships, technical developments, spiritual insights, or the imminent vulnerability of the objects themselves.
Dr. Leona studied chemistry in Italy, at the Universita’ degli Studi di Pavia, where he also obtained a PhD in Crystallography and Mineralogy.
Dr. Leona is the author of over 90 scientific papers, and he has lectured at conferences and science and literature festivals around the world. His work has been covered in broader reach articles, newscasts and documentaries. His proudest moments however were appearing in Samantha Bee’s show on Comedy Central and being interviewed by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Italy’s premier sports.
Since November 2023 he is a member of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, in Rome, the world’s oldest scientific academy.
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