• Ultraviolet reflectography
• Infra-red reflectography
• Radiography
• Macro-digital photography

These techniques are used with the aim of obtaining data on the work’s state of preservation, technique of execution (under-drawing, modifications to the painting or drawing, etc), internal layers, re-use of materials, deterioration due to insects, etc. All the images obtained are processed through a computer so that the resulting image offers the optimum information possible with the highest quality.

PHOTOGRAPHY WITH ULTRA-VIOLET LIGHT

Ultraviolet photography produces a difference of fluorescence whose intensity depends on the age of the materials applied. It is able to reveal retouchings intended to hide losses to the original paint surface and which have been applied subsequently to the date of the creation of the work.

Under ultraviolet light (UV), certain materials used in the physical makeup of a painting, such as animal glue and some pigments and varnishes, are fluorescent to different degrees. This allows for the identification of some of these materials. It also means that materials that do not form part of the original work can be detected, such as areas of repainting or modifications. This is particularly important with regard to signatures, to the state of the varnish layer, the application of false craquelure, etc.

INFRA-RED REFLECTOGRAPHY

Study of the artist’s creative process through examination with infra-red reflectography. An examination with infra-red reflectography (IR) allows for the study of the under-drawing, revealing pentimenti in the composition that have arisen during the creative process. It also detects earlier restorations or other interventions to the work, and can reveal hidden details such as inscriptions or signatures and any changes made to them.

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