Novel integration of non-invasive imaging techniques for the analysis of an egg tempera painting by Pietro Lorenzetti

Abstract

The identification of an artist's palette through the application of non-invasive techniques is a challenging goal due to the huge variety of artistic materials that constitutes a painting. An effective approach is to combine several techniques providing complementary information in order to minimise the risk of misinterpreting the data. In this paper, we propose a multi-analytical method comprising three non-invasive mapping techniques, namely Reflectance Imaging Spectroscopy (RIS), Macro-X-Ray Fluorescence (MA-XRF) and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLI), for the study of a fourteenth-century painting by Pietro Lorenzetti from the Uffizi Gallery collection. For the low-cost and time-saving interpretation and integration of the data provided by the different techniques, a purposely developed software for multivariate statistical analysis was used. FLI data were acquired with a prototype applied for the first time on a work of art, and the data were processed with a method based on phasor analysis. The information obtained was discussed within a multidisciplinary team of experts on painting materials and data processing belonging to both the scientific and the conservation community.

Spectral Mapping Techniques for the Stratigraphic and Compositional Characterisation of a 16th-Century Painting

“…The SC maps relative to the flesh tone are reported in Figure 9. Consistent with the previously identified elemental composition and artistic practices of the time [29], the artist utilised a combination of green earth, yellow ochre, and burnt sienna for the shadows and midtones; the highlights and warmer tones were achieved with white lead, vermilion, and red lacquer. The vegetation (Figure 10a-c) was realized with malachite and vine black (foliage), with a mixture of green earth, copper green, and azurite for the leaves located at the edges of the tree crown and on the trunk.…”