Thermal Quasi-Reflectography: a new imaging tool in art conservation

Opt Express. 2012 Jun 18;20(13):14746-53. doi: 10.1364/oe.20.014746.

Abstract

In the artwork conservation field, non contact diagnostic and imaging methods are widely used and most welcomed. In this work a new imaging tool, called Thermal Quasi-Reflectography (TQR), is proposed and demonstrated. It is based on the recording, by suitable procedures, of reflected infrared radiation in the MWIR band (3-5 μm). The technique, simple to perform, can provide very interesting results in the analysis of the painting surfaces. TQR was demonstrated in situ on two famous artworks: the Zavattari's frescos in the Chapel of Theodelinda (Italy) and the masterpiece by Piero della Francesca "The Resurrection" (Italy).

MeSH terms

  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Paint / analysis*
  • Paintings / classification*
  • Photometry / instrumentation*
  • Photometry / methods*
  • Thermography / instrumentation*
  • Thermography / methods*