Jean-Claude Golvin, a renowned architect, archaeologist, and watercolorist, has been named the guest of honor at the 10th International Symposium of Heritage Professionals in Arles (SIPPA). The prestigious event is taking place on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 at the auditorium of the Arles Antique Departmental Museum.
This year's symposium focuses specifically on heritage restoration in Arles, making Golvin's expertise particularly relevant. Known for his remarkable ability to recreate monuments and cities from different historical periods through watercolor paintings, Golvin has made a significant contribution to the museum by donating the majority of his watercolor collection to the Arles Antique Departmental Museum. He will be one of the featured speakers during the first day of the symposium.
In discussing his unique combination of professional skills, Golvin explains the interconnected nature of his work. "I am primarily an architect and archaeologist. Being a watercolorist is complementary," he states. "I was first an architect, then an urban planner. Watercolor painting is something that emerged naturally from my professional work."
Golvin's journey into watercolor illustration began during a specific project that highlighted the practical need for visual reconstruction. "The first time was with an amphitheater in Tunisia that I had come to study as an architect," he recalls. "I was serving as a consultant on this monument, as part of creating a circuit inside it. It was essential for the construction project to understand what the monument originally looked like in order to enhance it properly, direct the construction work, and even create explanatory panels."
As Golvin transitioned toward archaeology through his collaboration on field missions, his watercolor technique became an increasingly valuable tool. His artistic approach serves as a bridge between academic research and public understanding, making complex historical periods accessible through visual representation. "Watercolors facilitate the discovery of historical periods," he emphasizes, highlighting how his artistic method helps bring ancient civilizations to life for both scholars and the general public.
The symposium represents an important gathering of heritage professionals who are working to preserve and interpret historical sites. Golvin's participation underscores the growing recognition of the role that artistic reconstruction plays in archaeological and heritage work, particularly in helping people visualize how ancient structures and cities appeared in their original contexts.
