Public lecture

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Transparent color systems remain both fascinating and relatively unexplored within modern scientific research.

Varnish retouching in violin restoration belongs to a similarly complex and subtle world. Our perception of reality is never neutral: it is filtered, constructed, and often misleading. In this sense, retouching—especially in lutherie—is not about restoring an objective truth, but about creating a convincing illusion.

Perception exists only in the mind, yet it follows precise rules. Once understood, these rules can be observed, questioned, and ultimately used to guide our work.

This lecture presents a selection of perceptual principles identified through recent experimentation, along with materials and techniques developed to address them.

 

Topics will include the behavior of color in relation to surface inclination, the control of opacity, and the adjustment of fluorescence under UV light. Through these examples, the presentation aims to offer practical insights into a field where visual accuracy depends as much on perception as on material knowledge.

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English spoken lecture with french translation !

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​Duration: 1h​​​

Reservation required; Free admission depending on the places available

Free entry with priority access for the holders of the WEEKEND pass