A scanner for in situ X-ray radiography of large paintings: the case of “Paolo and Francesca” by G. Previati

Abstract

AbstractA scanner for digital radiography of large paintings has been designed and developed, aimed to in situ performances. We report here the application to “Paolo and Francesca” ($$260 \times 230 \,\hbox {cm}^{2}$$ 260 × 230 cm 2 ), masterpiece by the Italian divisionist painter Gaetano Previati (1909). The scanner has given the whole radiography in 1137 X-ray shots, which were corrected for X-ray inhomogeneities and finally processed, minimizing the visual impact of the frame structure. The original version of the painting has been brought to the light, and it appears to be a further step in the evolution of the theme frequently experienced by the artist.