Analyzing and studying Ancient Polychrome Surfaces Using Advanced Imaging Techniques: Tracing Original Composition to Modern Intervention |
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| Islam Shaheen, Nagmeldeen Hamza, Mohamed Ragab |
- Abstract:
- This research integrates advanced imaging technologies to enhance the documentation and analysis of polychrome cultural artifacts. By combining Multispectral Imaging (MSI) and Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI), it introduces innovative, non-invasive methods for examining pigments, surface details, and hidden features. The study focuses on objects from the Grand Egyptian Museum, including 21st Dynasty cartonnage and a Late Period polychrome coffin lid. MSI enables pigment mapping and the identification of materials such as Egyptian blue and wax, while RTI captures fine surface features, helping to distinguish original from restored areas. Thirteen techniques were tested to evaluate the combined MSI-RTI workflow, generating data to support conservation decisions and revealing insights into historical artistic practices. MSI offers a fast, cost-effective tool for pigment analysis, while RTI adds depth through detailed surface geometry. This work contributes to heritage science by equipping conservators with a reliable digital framework for analyzing, interpreting, and preserving polychrome museum artifacts.
- Download:
- IMEKO-Metroarchaeo-2025-019.pdf
- DOI:
- 10.21014/tc26-2025.019
- Event details
- IMEKO TC:
- TC26
- Event name:
- TC26 MetroArcheo Conference 2025
- Title:
Metrology for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
- Place:
- Bergamo, ITALY
- Time:
- 15 October 2025 - 17 October 2025