Direct, trans-irradiation and multispectral infrared imaging of a Titian canvas

Near infrared imaging is a powerful technique for the analysis of ancient paintings, allowing the nondestructive examination of features underneath the pictorial surface. Beyond the unique nature of the artwork (materials and layer stratigraphy), the effectiveness of the technique in detecting any painting features is determined by the device performance (spectral sensitivity, acquisition band narrowness, spatial resolution) as well as by the irradiation setup. We performed multi-modal infrared imaging on a XVI century masterpiece by Titian using an InGaAs camera and different measurement setup. Acquisition was carried out in conventional reflection geometry and in trans-irradiation mode, as well as in wideband and multispectral modes. Preliminary results are presented and the potentialities of such infrared analysis discussed.