Digitally Returning Van Gogh's Bedroom's Color by Brenna Hale(6th Period)

       Chicago scientists have released a digital representation of what Van Gogh's bedroom would have looked like before its colors faded. Using various technology they were able to return the light blue walls and doors to their original lilac and dark purple. An exhibition, which brings together all three versions of this work since Van Gogh produced the original, wishes to convey the deep emotions of the artists. This team of scientists realized that with Van Gogh's description of the art in letters he had written to his brother Theo, the paintings coloration should not appear as such, and decided to investigate. A sample of the wall paint was taken and discovered to be a punk pigment which fades over time, leaving the blue behind. Pink and blue make purple. Now with the purple walls in one of the pieces the viewers experience the feeling that Van Gogh had intended, calm and relaxed.
       This article by Jonathan Amos informs and captivates people with a story of returning an historical piece of art to its original state. This story resides with me very much because I am a great admirer of Van Gogh as an artist and as a person. Also, the science in which they found the original pigment color is an interesting process and development. This is related to the conservation movements during the Progressive Era and Teddy Roosevelt's State Parks. Both involved the preservation of something beautiful and precious to many people.

http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35576268