Matthew Hayes

Matthew Hayes is an Assistant Professor of Paintings Conservation and Co-Chair of the Conservation Center at New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts. He holds a PhD, MA, and Conservation Certificate from NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts, alongside a BA from Cornell University. His work bridges technical conservation practice with art historical inquiry, focusing on the intersection of materiality and meaning in artworks.

Education:

• PhD, MA, and Conservation Certificate – Institute of Fine Arts, NYU
• BA – Cornell University

Research Interests:
Hayes specializes in Western paintings conservation with a focus on the Italian Renaissance. He examines how physical condition and restoration history influence art historical interpretation, particularly through technical analysis of materials and layering. His work also addresses the historiography of conservation practices and their traces in artworks and archives.

Publications:
Hayes has authored/co-authored books like The Renaissance Restored (2021) and Titian, the Della Rovere Dynasty (2021), alongside essays on conservation history and material analysis. His recent work explores Bode’s technical art history, Botticelli’s materials, and Titian’s portraiture techniques.

Teaching & Practice:
He teaches courses such as Conservation of Easel Paintings and History of Conservation, emphasizing hands-on technical examination and ethical decision-making in restoration. His practice integrates scholarly research with practical conservation challenges.