Chromatic Image: a New Imaging Method for the Examination of Works of Art
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23738/CCSJ.160204Keywords:
technical imaging, chromatic image, image processing, preliminary examination, forensic imagingAbstract
This study introduces a cost-effective and accessible tool, the chromatic image, specifically designed to amplify the visual features of an image during the preliminary stages of the analysis of an art object. The chromatic image enhances the visualization of subtle hues often unnoticeable in traditional colour images. The method involves processing a high-resolution colour image using its chromatic channels (a* and b*) from the CIE Lab colour space. This creates a new image that highlights variations in hues independent of tonal values. This initial research research investigates the application of the chromatic image on easel paintings and works on paper. Results demonstrate the technique's effectiveness in revealing details in shadowed areas, enhancing the readability of red chalk drawings, and potentially aiding in damage detection. The method also holds promise for studying brushwork and areas reworked by the artist. This new tool offers a valuable and accessible addition to the toolkits of art historians, scientists and conservators alike, paving the way for further investigation using more advanced techniques.
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