Multiband Photogrammetry and Hybrid Image Analysis for the Investigation of a Wall Painting by Paolo de San Leocadio and Francesco Pagano in the Cathedral of Valencia

Abstract

A workflow for the photogrammetric combination of non-invasive multispectral imaging techniques ranging from ultraviolet (UV) and visible (VIS) to near infrared (NIR) for the investigation of wall paintings is presented. Hereby, different methods for image analysis and visualisation techniques are discussed. This includes the combination of spectral bands in hybrid false-colour images and image analysis by applying NDVI/NDPI and PCA. The aim of the research is to generate a high-resolution photogrammetric image set, providing information on underdrawings, material differences, damages, painting techniques and conservation measures. The image data are superimposed with pixel accuracy in a geographic information system (GIS) for further analysis, tracing of observations and findings and the annotation of further information. The research is carried out on the ‘Adoration of the Shepherds’, an early Spanish Renaissance wall painting created in 1472 by Paolo de San Leocadio and Francesco Pagano in the Cathedral of Valencia. The wall painting is preserved in an unfinished condition, and half of it is represented by the initial plaster and preparation layers. This gives the possibility to compare and evaluate the observations of the finished areas as well as carry out an in-depth study of the working techniques.