Multispectral Imaging (MSI)
Multispectral imaging (MSI) is an advanced, non-invasive imaging technique that captures artwork across multiple regions of the electromagnetic spectrum—such as ultraviolet, visible, and infrared—to reveal information invisible to the unaided eye. By combining these spectral bands into a calibrated image dataset, MSI can map and tentatively identify pigments, retouches, and material characteristics across an artwork’s surface. This allows conservators and researchers to uncover hidden features, distinguish original work from later interventions, and enhance faded or obscured details without sampling. MSI enriches documentation and supports informed decisions in conservation and historical study.
Table of Contents
How MSI works?
Images of an object are acquired across a series of 18 spectral bands. After registration and calibration, these images are assembled into a reflectance image cube, in which the X and Y axes represent the spatial dimensions of the image, while the Z axis corresponds to the wavelength of each spectral band. From this data cube, it is possible to reconstruct the reflectance spectrum for every pixel.
Multispectral imaging (MSI) analysis is based on the same principles as reflectance spectroscopy, but with the significant advantage of providing spatially resolved information. Rather than analyzing a single point, MSI enables the identification and mapping of pigments across large areas of an object in a non-invasive and efficient manner.
Applications in Art and Archaeology
Multispectral Imaging (MSI) enables the mapping and tentative identification of pigments and retouchings in works of art. It is also widely used to enhance the legibility of aged or faded documents. By exploiting differences in spectral response, conservators can distinguish original materials from later inpaints and make more informed decisions when planning appropriate conservation treatments.
Online Free Course
The course “Multispectral Imaging (MSI)” introduces MSI for Art Examination. Using ANTONELLO, our MSI system, you will learn the principles and practical applications of the technique. For users who have purchased ANTONELLO, the course also serves as a step-by-step guide for its operation.
Antonello - MSI System
ANTONELLO is our multispectral imaging (MSI) system, composed of 18 bandpass filters covering the 400–925 nm spectral range. These filters can be used with any digital camera modified for the UV–VIS–IR range. Compared to monochrome scientific cameras, this approach offers the advantage that the same camera can be employed for multiple technical photography methods. As a result, the overall imaging setup is lighter, more compact, and more cost-effective.
Resources
| Publications on Multispectral Imaging |
|---|
| A. Cosentino “Imaging Multispettrale low-cost con filtri interferenziali” Archeomatica, 2, 12-17, 2015.. |
| A. Cosentino “Multispectral imaging and the art expert” Spectroscopy Europe, 27 (2) 6-9, 2015. |
| A. Cosentino “Multispectral Imaging of Pigments with a digital camera and 12 interferential filters” e-Preservation Science, 12, 1-7, 2015.. |
| A. Cosentino “Panoramic, Macro and Micro Multispectral Imaging: An Affordable System for Mapping Pigments on Artworks” Journal of Conservation and Museum Studies, 13(1): 6, 1–17, 2015 |
| A. Cosentino “Multispectral imaging system using 12 interference filters for mapping pigments” Conservar Património 21, 25-38, 2015. |
| A. Cosentino “Crowd funded research: low-cost multispectral imaging” RECH3, International meeting on Retouching of cultural heritage. 2015. |
| A. Cosentino “Transmittance spectroscopy and transmitted multispectral imaging to map covered paints” Conservar Património 24, 37-45, 2016. |
Case Studies using MSI
19th-century South-Asia Islamic manuscript
17th century Umbrian School Madonna and Child
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
