A review of imaging methods in analysis of works of art: thermographic imaging method in art analysis

This article discusses a number of modern techniques used for the analysis of works of art. The most widely used approaches as well as lesser known ones are outlined in terms of their applications and the kind of information on the condition of artworks that can be extracted. Special attention is paid to the method of thermographic analysis of works of pictorial art. The principles of the technique, various computational approaches, and safety concerns are discussed. A set of examples is provided for the demonstration of the capabilities of thermographic assessment, including a range of real canvas and panel paintings exhibited in museums and in private collections. PACS Nos.: 87.63.Hg, 78.20.nb, 81.70.Pg, 07.20.-n. Nous discutons ici de techniques modernes utilisees pour analyser les ceuvres d'art. Nous presentons les methodes les plus connues comme les moins connues, selon leurs applications et la sorte d'information qu'on peut extraire sur les conditions de l'ceuvre d'art. Nous portons une attention speciale a l'analyse thermographique d'ceuvres picturales. Nous discutons les principes de la technique, des differentes approches informatiques et des soucis de securite. Nous presentons un ensemble d'exemples pour illustrer les capacites de l'evaluation thermographique, incluant plusieurs veritables tableaux et panneaux peints exposes dans des musees et des collections privees. [Traduit par la Redaction]
1. Introduction In the last several decades there has been increased interest in the preservation and conservation of objects of cultural heritage. The number of publications presented at international conferences [...]