20th-century Serigraph Print
CHSOS Collection – item #11
Technical Photography
A technical photography study can reveal a surprising amount of information from a serigraph print, with each imaging technique adding a new layer of insight.
Raking Light (RAK) – Highlights embossing and shows the presence and distribution of a thick ink layer.
Reflected Ultraviolet (UVR) – Makes visible this otherwise invisible thick underlying layer of ink.
Ultraviolet Fluorescence (UVF) – Reveals the presence of the same thick ink layer and shows a strong orange fluorescence, useful for the pigment identification.
Infrared (IR) – Discloses a hidden pencil sketch beneath the inks.
Infrared Transmitted (IRT) – Maps the thick underlying ink, clarifying its extent and distribution.
Learn Technical Photography for Art Examination
Technical Photography is one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—tools for the scientific examination of art and archaeology. If you are a conservator, scientist, or art collector and you are not yet familiar with this method, it is truly a missed opportunity. Using simple, affordable equipment and a clear methodology, Technical Photography allows you to reveal underdrawings, retouchings, material differences, and conservation issues in a completely non-invasive way. Far from being complex or inaccessible, it is an easy entry point into scientific analysis. In many cases, Technical Photography represents the first essential step toward a deeper understanding of artworks and archaeological objects.
Scientific Art Examination – Resources:
Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) – USA
The British Museum – Scientific Research Department – UK
Scientific Research Department – The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
C2RMF (Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France) – France
Rijksmuseum – Science Department – Netherlands
