Abstract: In recent years, mathematical algorithms have helped art historians and art conservators putting together the thousands of fragments into which an unfortunate WWII bombing destroyed world famous frescoes by Mantegna, decide that certain paintings by masters were “roll mates” (their canvases were cut from the same bolt), virtually remove artifacts in preparation for a restoration campaign, and even get more insight into paintings hidden underneath a visible one. The presentation will review these applications, and give a glimpse into the mathematical aspects that make this possible.

Short Bio: James B. Duke Professor of Mathematics and Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University