Forbes Colloquium on Conservation and Scientific Research: A Codex in Late Antiquity

The 2025 Forbes Colloquium marked the launch of a major new research initiative focused on the Washington Gospels Codex—also known as the Freer Codex or Codex Washingtonianus. As one of the earliest surviving parchment codices of the Gospels and a significant object of the National Museum of Asian Art’s collections, this manuscript offers a unique opportunity for renewed scholarly and scientific inquiry. Learn about the Codex: https://asia.si.edu/explore-art-cultu...

This colloquium introduced the project’s scope and goals, highlighting the collaborative efforts of an international, multidisciplinary team. Speakers discussed the codex’s significance and outlined ongoing and upcoming scientific and conservation research that would guide future studies.

The colloquium, organized by the National Museum of Asian Art’s Department of Conservation and Scientific Research, was held in the Meyer Auditorium on September 24, 2025. Learn about the department: https://asia.si.edu/research/conserva...

Speakers:
Chase Robinson, Dame Jillian Sackler Director, National Museum of Asian Art
Jiří Vnouček, Visiting Senior Researcher, Royal Library Denmark
Rhea DeStefano and Kesha Talbert, Paper Conservators, National Museum of Asian Art

This colloquium was supported by the Edward W. Forbes Fund, established through a bequest by John Thacher in honor of his colleague Edward Waldo Forbes, former director of the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University and a pioneer in the technical examination of art. Learn about the Eduardo W. Forbes Fund: https://asia.si.edu/research/conserva...