Art Conservation and Scientific Research Quiz

What are the two main responsibilities of the conservation and scientific research department at the Smithsonian Freer and Sackler Galleries?

• Taking care of the collections and using scientific methods to study them

• Restoring modern art and creating new art pieces

• Organizing art exhibitions and selling art pieces

• Conducting art auctions and providing art education

What is the primary reason for applying water to the surface of the Chinese painting during its conservation?

• To make the painting more vibrant

• To remove yellow discoloration and impurities

• To change the color of the painting

• To add a glossy finish to the painting

Which technique was used to analyze the metal of the 400-year-old dagger?

• Infrared spectroscopy

• Ultraviolet light examination

• X-ray fluorescence analysis

• Carbon dating

What significant element was found in the dagger that indicated its meteoritic origin?

• Copper

• Nickel

• Silver

• Gold

What symbol is inlaid on the dagger that represents the Mughal Empire?

• A lion

• A crescent moon

• A peacock

• A small gold umbrella