What is truly intriguing, however, is that lithopone can be mapped using just a single filter from the ANTONELLO Multispectral Imaging filter set. Lithopone, one of the many white pigments encountered in cultural heritage objects, shows a characteristic group of absorbance bands in the near-infrared. The image acquired with the 730 nm filter reveals this pigment clearly, making it possible to identify its presence with remarkable simplicity.

While we could consider more advanced imaging approaches, such as multispectral imaging, the advantages of Technical Photography (TP) for this task are clear.

TP allows us to photograph and process a large number of items quickly—an essential feature when working with extensive objects such as multi-page illuminated manuscripts. The image editing required from the operator is also straightforward.

However, by using just one or a few filters from the ANTONELLO Multispectral Imaging filter set, we can go beyond standard TP without sacrificing simplicity. In this case, the advantage of Technical Photography naturally extends into multispectral imaging because the workflow remains equally simple and straightforward: the operator simply captures images through specific filters to obtain targeted spectral information. This approach can be particularly useful for the study and mapping of white pigments, including lithopone and other materials that exhibit distinctive spectral behavior.

More complex multispectral systems typically demand highly specialized equipment and personnel with advanced training, making them less practical for routine or high-volume documentation. The ANTONELLO filter set, instead, enables a streamlined approach that brings selected multispectral capabilities within the reach of standard TP workflows.