Imaging techniques

Imaging is a type of examination, often prior to physico-chemical analyses, with the aim of better understanding or visualizing an artwork.

It allows us to understand the technology implemented during the creation (preparatory drawings), the genesis (e.g. repentances), or the material history (composition and distribution of pigments) of an object.

At CARAA we have different techniques and cameras that allow us to examine the work from the deepest layers (the pictorial support), to the most superficial layers.

Ultraviolet fluorescence imaging as illustrated in this image of a 17th century Indian painting allows you to visualize late restorations but also the UV fluorescence highlights of the materials and pigments present on the painting.

CARAA © Indian painting, tempera, KISHANGAR School, circa. 1730, Part. Coll.

Infrared reflectography using the Apollo Camera will today cover wavelengths between 900 and 1700 nm with very high resolution (up to 26MP)!! The photographs below illustrate the examination of a painting by Amedeo Modigliani as well as that of a 15th century panel painting and the highlighting of preparatory drawings and repentances.

CARAA © Modigliani, Reclining Nude, Part. Coll.

CARAA © Saint Barbara (?) ENTOURAGE OF GEERTGEN TOT SINT-JANS (c. 1465-1495)

Finally, multispectral imaging corresponds to the acquisition in reflection between 360 and 1100 nm and therefore makes it possible to examine the aertwork in the entirety of this spectral zone. A “cube” is then generated and allows the characterization of the different pigments according to their relative reflection over the entire area examined.

CARAA © The Sacrifice of Iphigenia. Anonymous, between 1625-1650, Carnavalet museum, Paris.

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