Ultraviolet fluorescence imaging

Certain substances are differentiated from others by their capacity to fluoresce in the visible region of the spectrum when they receive UV wavelength between 300-400nm. A such, damaged or over-painted varnish layers on surface of art works are is easily and quickly traced since varnishes, older or newer, fluoresce, while losses of varnish due to wear or subsequent procedures present as dark areas with zero fluorescence. This is also one of the most interesting techniques for studying certain  organic materials, mainly pigments and binders. The image obtained through the application of this technique is a color visible image, despite the fact that the lighting sources used emit ultraviolet radiation.

  • P.152 D. Theotokopoulos "Concert of Angels"

    This UV fluorescence photograph depicts the various procedures the surface of the work has undergone over the centuries, which are reflected as dark areas.

  • P.1210 Unknown "Sousana"

    This UV fluorescence photograph depicts the multiple over-paintings over the fluorescent layer of varnish.

  • K.219 K. Panoras "Half-naked child"

    Before the start of cleaning operations, the diversity of surface coatings is made obvious through the differences in fluorescence shown.

  • P.7578 G.Morali "Portrait of Ioanna N. Louros"

    UV fluorescence photography revealed not only the varied layers of varnish, but also the poor state of preservation, as is clearly visible through the cracking.

  • K. 26. Nikiforos Litra "Girl holding her portrait"

    It is possible to control the gradual removal of the varnish layer through UV fluorescence photography, which fluoresces strongly in contrast with the color layers which do not show fluorescence.

  • P.3311 Pieter Aertsen "Portrait of Simon Marten"

    An ultraviolet fluorescence image captures the selective removal of varnish, and, due either to the technical construction of the work or procedures, the remaining diverse layers.

  • P.787 Cort or Kort Cornelis "Battle of Pyrrhus and Rome" - verso - detail

    The ultraviolet fluorescence photograph makes the inscriptions on the rear of the work's paper support legible.

ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΟΜΑΛΗ ΠΕΡΙΗΓΗΣΗ ΣΤΟΝ ΚΟΜΒΟ

ΠΡΟΤΕΙΝΕΤΑΙ Η ΧΡΗΣΗ ΣΥΣΚΕΥΗΣ ΥΨΗΛΟΤΕΡΗΣ ΑΝΑΛΥΣΗΣ