Observing an
artwork under UV light is a standard diagnostic
method used since the discovery of the Wood filter
in the twenties. Because different painting materials
exhibit characteristic fluorescence colours when
exposed to ultraviolet light, UV fluorescence
has been used to identify areas of impaintings
and retouching and to determine and localize different
types of varnish or wax. Currently it is also
possible to quantify the fluorescence emission
and to recognize some of the paint materials and
their age.
Pisa
– Museo Nazionale di San Matteo
multispectral flourescence images, Santa
Caterina polyptych; UV fluorescence and
multispectral color image of Madonna and
child panel
