Vanessa Otero

Vanessa Otero is a Pos-Doc Researcher at the Department of Conservation and Restoration and LAQV-Requimte Research Unit, from the NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon. Her research is focused on the study of artists’ materials, including their historical production, colour stability and the analytical methods used to identify them in heritage objects. It crosses the disciplinary boundaries of technical art history and conservation science aiming to contribute new knowledge that will lead to better conservation and authentication procedures. She completed her PhD in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage (specialisation in Conservation Science) in 2018 at NOVA. Her PhD work advanced key knowledge on the 19th c. manufacture and stability of chrome yellow pigments, known to be degrading in treasured artworks such as Van Gogh's Sunflowers. Currently, within this project, she is expanding her research experience by studying the degradation pathways of iron-gall inks and yellow dyes, towards the development of sustainable conservation strategies.