Developing a Research Question

This blog post will begin to set up the basis for our next project on controversy and rhetoric. While researching this current debate, I came up with some extra questions that I found interesting. Below are some questions I'd be interested in pursuing further.

To tie in with art history, here is one of my favorite engravings by 15th century artist Albrecht Dürer. 

dangreen2012, "Knight Death and The Devil (1513)" engraving by Albrecht Dürer
Accessed via Flickr 

Where should "censorship" factor in with the display of art?

Beginning Project 1, I read an interesting article discussing censorship of art. It was specifically over a piece of art that had offended a group of people, but it had me thinking. When, if ever, should censorship affect art? For those who argue "never", what about when people may be placed at risk? What if it's extremely offensive to an entire sect of people? (For example the Charlie Hebdo shootings and offense to the people of Islam). I'd be curious to see what's being said in this area.

How are we saving art from bad preservation techniques?

For Pompeii, I read about how conservators were racing against time to save frescos that were compromised by poor technique. There was mention of the use of lasers, solvents, imaging techniques. Seeing as this is a field I hope to enter after college, I'd be very interested to learn more about what's happening in this field. 

How reliable are current conservation techniques?

This very clearly ties into the question above. As conservators discussed how old techniques were actually increasing the rate of degradation in works of art, I began to wonder. What if our techniques today are wrong too? What are the risks associated with modern conservation? Could we be potentially making things worse by trying to make things better, just like conservators in the past? I'd like to know more about this. 

What role should government play in conservation?

Much of Pompeii's failings was placed on the Italian government. In fact, private companies and organizations often had to step in to fix mistakes. Yet I heard some concerns about the privatization of historical sites. At what point does private funding conflict with private interest? Even if big-name companies like Coca-Cola could afford to fund a site, what risks come with that? I'd be curious to read about the arguments for and against private investments.