News
Thursday 8 November 2007
Technology could help reveal paintings' hidden secrets
Experts at Nottingham Trent University are developing cutting-edge imaging technology which aims to provide exciting new insights into museum painting collections. The method – which it is hoped could enable improved conservation of precious artwork – involves using a multispectral camera system capable of capturing details invisible to the naked eye.
The portable design features a filter wheel mounted to a camera, which is able to capture light from frequencies beyond the visible light range. This makes it possible to provide important new information about the paint layers and exact nature of the pigment used by the artist, helping conservators to identify and repair damage caused over time.
By pinpointing the pigments used, the method could also help with dating of the paintings and identify any subsequent restoration work carried out.
The project – undertaken by academics from the University’s School of Science and Technology and School of Arts and Humanities – was carried out over a year as part of the Stimulating Innovation for Success (SIS) programme, developed to incorporate collaboration between the University and business.
The team has already linked up with the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, using the technology to study Botticelli’s Descent of the Holy Ghost (c.1500-1510).
The research revealed areas in the Botticelli which had been over-painted to cover a loss, and the team was able to identify areas of damage and past conservation. Experts were also able to see through the paint layers to the surface beneath, revealing cracks under the paint. This suggested that if the surface had cracked but the paint above had not, then this was also applied later.
Dr Stuart Burch, Senior Lecturer in History and Heritage at Nottingham Trent University, said: "Even if to the naked eye an area of paint appears to be one, undifferentiated patch of colour, it might in fact be a skilful retouching by a later conservator."
He added: "The Botticelli painting could be looked at again and again, with each area revealing something new. This is because it has clearly been the subject of so much reworking. Added to this is the fact that, even though it is a ‘Botticelli’, it was in all likelihood painted by others in his studio. Botticelli was probably only responsible for the overall design and maybe some of the more complicated and important details such as faces and hands."
Dr Haida Liang, Senior Lecturer in Physics at Nottingham Trent University, said: "The camera is perfect for in-situ examination of paintings. There is an increasing demand on the application of non-invasive techniques to the examination of cultural artefacts, due in part to the increased awareness of conservation ethics."
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery conservators are now working to conserve the Botticelli painting. The team will go back and image the painting again after it has been conserved to monitor the difference before and after the conservation.
ENDS
Click here for more information about the Stimulating Innovation for Success programme.
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