Webinar Description
Hosted by: ACerS Art, Archaeology & Conservation Science Division
Friday, February 20, 2026; 12:00–1:00 p.m. Eastern US time
Sponsored by the ACerS Art, Archaeology & Conservation Science Division, the February webinar will feature one speaker: Examining Featherworks with USAXS Synchrotron Techniques
Description
Examining Featherworks with USAXS Synchrotron Techniques
Feathers and featherworks present an interesting material study amongst cultural heritage objects as feather coloring can be produced via colorants that are pigmentary-based, structurally-based or a combination of both. Structural colors, in contrast with dyes and pigments, are generated through light-matter interactions with nanostructured features. Understanding the physical properties of these systems is critical in generating a comprehensive examination of the structural colorants and aids in better understanding of the overall materiality of objects that utilize these unique and fascinating materials.
In her presentation, Dr. Madeline Meier will introduce Ultra-/Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (USAXS/SAXS), a synchrotron-based technique, as a promising tool for investigating cultural heritage objects that employ structurally based colorants. She will review recent research on featherworks and present an ongoing project examining tian-tsui featherworks from the Qing Dynasty using a multimodal analytical approach that incorporates synchrotron USAXS methods. Tian-tsui is a craft in which feathers are meticulously adhered to support surfaces to form intricate designs, producing objects that range from jewelry and hair ornaments to elaborate headdresses and screen panels. Their distinctive blue coloration derives from kingfisher feathers and results from nanoscale structural features rather than pigments or dyes. This study aims to deepen understanding of the craft’s materiality and, more broadly, to contribute to the development of best practices for analyzing structural color in cultural heritage materials.
Biography
Dr. Madeline Meier, postdoctoral scholar, Northwestern University/Art Institute of Chicago Center for Scientific Studies
Dr. Madeline Meier is a postdoctoral scholar at the Northwestern University/Art Institute of Chicago Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts. She graduated with a B.S. in chemistry from the University of Arkansas and went on to obtain her PhD in Chemistry at the California Institute of Technology. Her research at Caltech focused on studying the fundamental light-matter interactions of nanostructured, semiconducting materials. At the center her work is focused on the application of scientific techniques, both non-invasive and micro-destructive, to investigate cultural heritage works across a range of material classes.
Her recent research has focused on the analysis of paintings, works on paper, textiles, metals, and featherworks using multimodal analytical approaches, including micro-destructive and non-destructive techniques as well as synchrotron-based methods. This work includes the development of new analytical methodologies and best practices for investigating structural colorants and other materials at the micro- and nanoscale. In addition, in collaboration with computer scientists, her research explores the integration of artificial intelligence in cultural heritage science to enhance data processing and enable data fusion for more comprehensive examination of heritage objects.
ACerS member: no cost
ACerS GGRN and Material Advantage student member: no cost
Non-member: no cost
Non-member student: no cost
If you have any questions, please contact Vicki Evans.
This webinar is brought to you by the ACerS Art, Archaeology & Conservation Science Division. To view past ACerS webinars, click here.
