Abstract

Non-destructive testing of works of art can reveal essential information. The radiographic examination of objects of cultural heritage has a tradition of many years. Nowadays the co-operation of experts from the technical and humanities fields is becoming increasingly important, resulting in better mutual understanding. Radiographic analyses are a useful additional source of information for art historical interpretation of processes involved in the creation of works of art, their material history and physical state of preservation. As such they are an essential condition for decision making in conservation and restoration.

For the needs of radiographic studies of paintings on canvas and wood and wooden sculptures we have developed a radiographic method combining elements of medical and industrial radiography, large format film and computer processing of radiographic images.Two case studies of radiographic analysis of Slovenian Baroque and modern art will he presented. The results of these justify its more frequent use. Complementary methods will be also discussed.

Keywords: x-ray radiography, paintings, imaging plates, large format film

Source: Conference Proceedings of the 4th International Conference of the Slovenian Society for Nondestructive Testing, 24 - 25 April 1997, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Pages:175 - 186

Publisher:
Slovenian Society for Nondestructive Testing, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Askerceva 6, SLO 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. Tel +386 61 177 12 03, Fax +386 61 218 567, Email: janez.grum@fs.uni-lj.si.