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

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

• heritage science
• 3D acquisition
• reflectance imaging spectroscopy
• multi-spectral reflectography
• mural painting
• registered data