Analytical Services
Our studio offers a range of specialized analytical services designed to reveal the materials, condition, and hidden features of artworks. These imaging and diagnostic techniques support informed decision-making, accurate condition assessments, and responsible conservation treatments. Each method provides unique insights into structure, technique, alterations, and deterioration patterns that are not visible under normal light.
Ultraviolet Light Analysis
UV photography highlights varnish layers, overpaints, stains, adhesives, and areas of retouching. Materials fluoresce differently under UV light, making this technique one of the most effective tools for mapping restoration history and detecting degradation not visible in standard illumination.
The painting under UV light reveals a darkened area, indicating the presence of some overpaints that are not visible under normal viewing conditions. This illustrates how UV imaging can uncover hidden conservation interventions.
Infrared Analysis
Infrared imaging can reveal underdrawing, changes in composition, structural issues, and obscured details beneath surface layers. Transmitted IR helps visualize internal features within papers or thin supports. These non-invasive techniques are valuable for understanding an artist’s working method and identifying past interventions. On occasion, a reflected infrared photograph of a painting, can reveal a preparatory drawing. The image to the left is taken with a regular camera and lightning, in the photograph to the right, the camera, prepared for infrared reflectography, cuts through the colors, especially the red that appears as transparent, to reveal the underlying preparatory drawing
The canvas in this painting have darkened with oxidation and ageing. The inscription was barely legible but the use of infrared reflectography revealed it with clarity.
The canvas in this painting have darkened with oxidation and ageing. The inscription was barely legible as it can be seen in the first picture. In the one to the right, with the use of infrared reflectography, the photograph revealed the inscription with absolute clarity.
Photomacrography & Photomicrography
These high-resolution imaging methods allow us to examine artworks at close range, documenting fine details such as craquelure patterns, pigment granularity, surface texture, tool marks, and previous restorations. They provide essential visual data for treatments, authentication studies, and long-term monitoring.
Raking & Transmitted Light Photography
Raking light emphasizes surface topography, distortions, tears, deformations, and texture variations. Transmitted light, especially useful for works on paper, reveals internal structures, watermarks, losses, thickness variations, and previous repairs. Together, these methods provide critical documentation for both condition analysis and treatment planning.
Left: Painting under normal light. Right: Painting under raking light, which highlights all surface deformations and irregularities of the support.
Left: Painting under normal light. Right: Painting under transmitted light, which reveals the network of cracks across the paint surface; cracks near the edges, where the stretcher supports the canvas, are not visible because the light cannot pass through.