2012 - TQR
In the artwork conservation field, non contact diagnostic and imaging methods are widely used and most welcomed. In this work a new imaging tool, called Thermal Quasi-Reflectography (TQR), is proposed and demonstrated. It is based on the recording, by suitable procedures, of reflected infrared radiation in the MWIR band (3-5 μm). The technique, simple to perform, can provide very interesting results in the analysis of the painting surfaces. TQR was demonstrated in situ on two famous artworks: the Zavattari’s frescos in the Chapel of Theodelinda (Italy) and the masterpiece by Piero della Francesca “The Resurrection” (Italy).
Part of the fresco by the Zavattaris in the Theodelinda’s Chapel. The artworks, executed between 1440 and 1446 are extremely rich and complex, featuring different fresco techniques, gold and silver decorations and reliefs. Color photography (a), and imaging in the NIR (b), compared to the TQR image (c).
C Daffara, D Ambrosini, L Pezzati, D Paoletti, Optics Express 20, 14746 (2012)
Thermal quasi-reflectography: a new imaging tool in art conservation