Non-destructive exploration of late Gothic panel painting using X-ray tomography and flattening of the reconstructed data

0573614 - ÚTAM 2024 RIV DE eng J - Journal Article
Vavřík, Daniel - Antušková, V. - Chlumská, Š. - Kumpová, Ivana - Šefců, R. - Vopálenský, Michal
Non-destructive exploration of late Gothic panel painting using X-ray tomography and flattening of the reconstructed data.
European Physical Journal Plus. Roč. 138, č. 7 (2023), č. článku 618. ISSN 2190-5444. E-ISSN 2190-5444
R&D Projects: GA MK(CZ) DG18P02OVV006
Keywords : microstructure characterization * X-ray computed tomography * wood panel paintings * Bohemian panel painting
OECD category: Materials engineering
Impact factor: 3.4, year: 2022
Method of publishing: Open access
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-023-04212-w

The use of computed tomography (CT) for studying artwork has a long tradition in the restoration and care of collections in memory institutions. The result of the related tomographic reconstruction is a virtual spatial model in which we can examine the production technology, the internal structure, various damaged areas, and previous restoration interventions. The extension of standard CT to dual energy CT provides additional information to help distinguish materials with similar densities but different chemical compositions. As will be shown, pigment differences that appear very similar in optical light can be identified in this way. The differences found were confirmed by X-ray fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy analytical techniques. Current laboratory CT scanners make it possible to examine the layered structures of paintings and polychrome sculptures. In the case of wood panel paintings, however, we are faced with the common deformation of the panels. So, when examining the CT data, we can only see a small section of the paint layer, and it is difficult to examine the whole artwork in its entire context. This disadvantage can be solved by a virtual straightening of the panel, as will be demonstrated.
Permanent Link: https://hdl.handle.net/11104/0344020