Optical and terahertz methods for the study of oil painting artworks authors

Bolshakov I.S., Lykina A.А., Kravtsenyuk O.V., Sirro, S.V., Toropov V.Y., Tsvetkov A.R., Taday P.F., Arnone D.D., Smolyanskaya, O.A.

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Publication in Journal of Optical Technology

For Russian citation (Opticheskii Zhurnal):

Большаков И.С., Лыкина А.А., Кравценюк О.В., Сирро С.В., Торопов В.Ю., Цветков А.Р., Taday P.F., Arnone D.D., Смолянская О.А. Оптические и терагерцовые методы исследования картин станковой масляной живописи // Оптический журнал. 2024. Т. 91. № 5. С. 54–65. http://doi.org/10.17586/1023-5086-2024-91-05-54-65

Bolshakov I.S., Lykina A.A., Kravtsenyuk O.V., Sirro S.V., Toropov V.Y., Tsvetkov A.R., Taday P.F., Arnone D.D., Smolyanskaya O.A. Optical and terahertz methods for the study of oil painting artworks authors [in Russian] // Opticheskii Zhurnal. 2024. V. 91. № 5. P. 54–65. http://doi.org/10.17586/1023-5086-2024-91-05-54-65

For citation (Journal of Optical Technology):

Abstract:

Subject of study. Terahertz tomography methods applied to the study of easel oil paintings. Aim of study. Evaluating the effectiveness of terahertz tomography for analyzing the layered structure of artworks and detecting hidden damages, elements, and annotations. Method. Traditional analysis methods such as infrared, ultraviolet fluorescence, and X-ray imaging were employed. Special emphasis was placed on terahertz tomography, enabling non-invasive imaging of internal structures. Main results. The study demonstrated that terahertz tomography allows differentiation of materials used in oil paintings. This method enables a detailed examination of the layered structure without damaging the object under investigation, revealing elements not detectable by other research methods. The scientific novelty lies in the proposed application of terahertz tomography for preliminary examinations of paintings in situ to detect hidden defects and possible inscriptions on the reverse side of the artwork. Practical significance. The obtained results are valuable for researching, assessing the preservation status, and restoring oil paintings, especially when detecting defects and hidden elements beneath paint layers without damaging the colorful surface. The terahertz tomography method proves particularly effective when applied in situ, avoiding the necessity of dismantling the painting.

Keywords:

terahertz tomography, oil paintings, layered structure, restoration methods, painting material analysis methods, infrared visualization, ultraviolet fluorescence visualization, X-ray imaging, hidden defects, non-invasive research methods, in situ studies

Acknowledgements:

the research was conducted with the support of a grant under the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation № 220 dated April 9, 2010 (Agreement № 075-15-2021-593 dated June 01, 2021)

OCIS codes: 100.2960, 100.3010, 200.4560

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