Infrared Reflectography
Infrared Reflectography (IRR) allows to identify underdrawing and pentimenti. IRR is coupled with the panoramic method. It is performed with with a scientific camera that can image in the range 1000- 1700 nm. Pigments such as azurite, Prussian blue and malachite become transparent only in the far infrared at about 1500 nm. The imaging sensors of these cameras are small and numerous images are stitched together.
Panoramic Infrared Reflectography (PIRR) is a valid alternative to the much more expensive scanners for Infrared Reflectography (IRR) The PIRR method consists of taking a series of images of a scene with a precision rotating head and then using panoramic software to align and stitch the shots into a single, seamless panorama. It can be implemented with consumer panoramic imaging tools, which can be upgraded following technical developments; as opposed to infrared scanners, which are products that cannot be modified. Self-assembled, modular equipment can be modified for specific tasks and upgraded with comparatively little funding, following technical and scientific developments in the consumer market, e.g. upgrading to an InGaAs camera with higher pixel count. The stitching software is easy to use; the overall panoramic method does not require specialized personnel or intensive training and, for these reasons the method is appealing to medium‐small museums and private conservators who want to implement an affordable method to professionally document their collections.
Applications
Click here to visit our Artifacts categories
Learn this method. Our IRR Training module
The Panoramic Infrared Reflectography (PIRR) Training module provides technical insight on hardware and software tools for PIRR using budget equipment already available commercially for panoramic photography along with an InGaAs camera.
Topics
- Infrared Reflectography for art examination, case studies review
| Publications on Infrared Reflectography |
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| A. Cosentino “Panoramic infrared Reflectography. Technical Recommendations ” Intl Journal of Conservation Science, 5(1): 51–60, 2014. |
| A. Cosentino “Type II Super Lattice (T2SL) imaging technology for infrared reflectography of polychrome works of art” e-conservation Journal 5, 2016 Available online 15 March 2017. |
| A. Cosentino “CHSOS Application note #7: IRRF – Infrared Reflectography Fluorescence” 2022. |
