This book discusses the physics and materials science behind paintings: the pigments, binders, canvas, varnish and so forth, that go into making a painting appear the way it does. It discusses the physical principles behind the colors one sees in paintings and how they change with illumination, the various types of paint and binders used in both old and modern paintings, and the optics and microscopic structure of paint films. Chapters on dating, binders, and dendochronology are contributed by experts in the respective fields. The book includes problems and sample examinations.