Synchronized Hardware-Registered VIS-NIR Imaging Spectroscopy and 3D Sensing on a Fresco by Botticelli

Sensors (Basel). 2021 Feb 11;21(4):1287. doi: 10.3390/s21041287.

Abstract

We discuss a synchronised sensing technique for the analysis of painted surfaces of frescos. Specifically, the performance of Visible-Near Infrared (VIS-NIR) Reflectance Imaging Spectroscopy (RIS) synchronized with three-dimensional (3D) acquisition is demonstrated in the study of a detached mural painting by Alessandro Botticelli. Synchronized sensing generates georeferenced data for simplified data treatment and interpretation. We show how such output data can provide key information to interpret important fresco surface and subsurface features (e.g., painting technique, material composition, pentimenti).

Keywords: 3D acquisition; heritage science; multi-spectral reflectography; mural painting; reflectance imaging spectroscopy; registered data.