For some time already, infrared analysis has been used in art history and restoration technology to determine the presence of underdrawings and the physical state of a painting. Infrared analysis is used predominantly to identify underdrawings and overpaintings. Because of the low IR absorption, the long-wave radiation offers an easy and above all non-destructive way of “seeing through” the top layers of paint to identify and analyze the underlying structures, outlines and previous versions.

 

Underdrawings can be found on many paintings from every era: They are scetches lying directly under the paint layers. They can be made visible using IR-reflectography. In most cases underdrawings are done with charcoal, pencil or brushstrokes. Later they disappear for the most part under the final layer of paint. Every painter uses underdrawings in their own individual ways, from simple outlines for perspective right through to detailed drawings. Therefore an underdrawing can also provide deeper insights into the creative work process of the artist.

 

It is worthwhile subjecting IR methods and equipment thus far used for examining underdrawings to a critical test in respect of their cost-effectiveness and to check the advanced application possibilities of modern NIR cameras for accelerated image analysis.

 

Contact XenICs to find an optimal solution for your infrared reflectography application.