MSI – Case studies

Multispectral imaging (MSI) has rapidly become a fundamental non-invasive technique in the scientific examination of cultural heritage, enabling the capture of images across selected wavelength bands to reveal material characteristics, construction techniques, and condition issues that are invisible to the naked eye. MSI is particularly valuable in the study of paintings, manuscripts, murals, and other flat artefacts because it provides data on how materials interact with light beyond the visible spectrum, offering insight into underdrawings, pigment differences, alterations, and conservation histories.

In this lesson, we present case studies that illustrate how MSI has been applied in real workflows for art examination. Through concrete examples, you will see how multispectral data can differentiate materials, enhance faded details, and support scientific interpretation in ways that traditional documentation cannot. By examining both the outcomes and the context of these projects, including challenges in image capture, processing, and interpretation, these case studies demonstrate not only the capabilities of MSI but also best practices for its use in heritage science. Whether you are a conservator, researcher, or imaging specialist, exploring these applications will deepen your understanding of how MSI contributes to evidence-based analysis and documentation of artworks.