Scientific Services

Our main partners:

Mathieu Lombard, photographer

Ottaviano Caruso, photographer

CESAAR Laboratory, sample analysis

CARAA, X-rays

Scientific analysis in the field of restoration can be essential for understanding a restoration project and artistic techniques. It allows the restorer to work safely. The main objective is to analyze the artist’s execution and understand the painting’s history, such as accidents and previous restorations, in order to establish a precise restoration protocol.

We commission scientific imaging and sampling from our specialized partners:

Technical Photography

They are carried out beforehand with normal and raking light, essential for knowing the state of conservation of the work.

UV Photography

Ultraviolet light distinguishes older restorations (darker), the state of preservation of varnishes and their nature.

Infrared Photography (false color and black and white)

These images allow us to read the original drawing of the painting. It is possible to deduce the nature of certain pigments using false-color infrared spectroscopy.

Radiography and X-ray

They make visible the superimposition of paintings during pictorial reworking and can identify the conservative history of the work such as the presence of gaps, holes.

Analysis of pigments and binders

Very small samples of the original material are taken and examined in section under a microscope. These samples allow for the identification of binders and the nature of pigments. This can prove essential and aid in dating the sampled area.

Graphic documentation

The diagnosis is accompanied by a map identifying information on the execution technique and the various alterations.