Use of infrared reflectography in non-destructive testing of Gothic paintings

(Investigators: M. Hain, J. Bartl, V. Jacko)

The results of the grant project APVV-14-0719 “Physical non-destructive methods for complex testing and analysis of cultural heritage artifacts” were used in cooperation with restorers in the physical survey of twenty-four Gothic altar panel paintings of the main altar of the Church of St. Juraj in Spišská Sobota and the side altar of the Death of the Virgin Mary in Spišská Kapitula. The use of the method of infrared reflectography followed by digital image processing resulted in the presence and visibility of underdrawings and hidden repainted texts. The conclusions of the testing are extremely important in determining the construction and authenticity of the works and in determining the correct procedures for their subsequent restoration.

Applicator of the result: Pamiatkový úrad SR.

Fig. 1: (a) Infrared reflectogram (GEORGEUS inscription visible and underdrawings (b) visible spectrum images.