Remote and contactless infrared imaging techniques for stratigraphical investigations in paintings on canvas

Abstract

In the analysis of complex stratigraphical structures like painted artefact, infrared (IR) techniques can provide precious information about elements hidden under superficial layers of the artwork, such as pictorial features and structural defects. This paper presents a novel complementary use of reflectographic and thermographic techniques for the survey of three baroque paintings, preserved at the Chigi Palace in Ariccia (Italy). First, the IR-ITR laser scanner prototype has been used for the preliminary and remote near-IR reflectographic survey of the areas where the canvas was located. The resulting map was then used for planning the thermographic and mid-IR reflectographic studies, focusing the analyses on the most interesting areas of one of the paintings, called “La Primavera”. The combination of the three imaging techniques revealed several details not visible by the naked eye, such as restored lacunas and pentimenti, demonstrating the validity and complementarity of the proposed combined methodologies.

Imaging Cultural Heritage at Different Scales: Part I, the Micro-Scale (Manufacts)

“…Finally, the MWIR reflectogram makes visible possible repaired defects in the preparatory layer and/or in the support (see Figure 7e). Another recent case study is the analysis of La Primavera, a 145 × 220 cm oil on canvas painting, realized by Mario Nuzzi and Filippo Lauri in 1658-59 and preserved in Palazzo Chigi (Ariccia, Italy) [48]. This masterpiece was investigated by means of reflectographic and thermographic techniques, which were used in a complementary way.…”

Improvement of Near-Infrared Light-Emitting Diodes’ Optical Efficiency Using a Broadband Distributed Bragg Reflector with an AlAs Buffer

“…In the 1900s, infrared radiation was widely used in night vision, heating, hyperspectral imaging, tracking, communications, and biological systems [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Recently, its range of applications has significantly increased following the fabrication of laser diodes (LDs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for infrared wavelengths [ 7 , 8 ].…”

Papier-Mâché Puppets’ Characterization by Infrared Imaging Techniques

“…The main idea behind such an approach is to employ techniques able to provide complementary results, in an effort to try and obtain in-depth analysis of the painting structure. In particular, this approach has been adopted for a number of different paintings on both wood and canvas to detect pentimenti and also to visualize the changes that have been made over time, such as restorations, overpainting and retouching [42,43].…”