MuSIS Cameras in action:
Art-history and Conservation

MuSIS Cameras integrate the entire range of imaging and optical diagnostic techniques used for the analysis and documentation of art and historic objects in a single high-end imaging system.
In particular, MuSIS can be operated as:

Spectral Camera & Imaging
Spectrometer (HS model) for:

- Painting material identification
- Assisting artwork authentication
- Reading of erased or overwritten manuscripts

Ultraviolet Reflectance
and Fluorescence Camera for:

- Imaging surface features, roughness,
  brush strokes etc.
- Imaging varnishes and other coatings
- On-line control of coating removal
- Material identification
- Imaging of binding media, coatings etc.
- Detecting retouchings, conservation interventions etc.
- Assessing the natural condition of the artwork

High-Definition Color Camera
and Imaging Colorimeter for:

- Accurate documentation and color reproduction
- Per-pixel color measurement and comparison
- Histogram-based color segmentation and mapping
- Objective evaluation of restoration processes

Multi-Band Infrared Camera for:

- Imaging underdrawings, cracks, pentimenti etc.
- Material identification
- Assisting conservation decision-making

False-Color Infrared Camera for:

- The visualization of chemically different pigments
  with similar hue

Tomorrow's technology reveals the past
and contributes to the preservation
of our cultural heritage

The MuSIS Technology benefits

MuSIS Cameras...

integrate the entire range of the imaging and optical diagnostic techniques used for the analysis and documentation of artworks and historic objects in a high-end imaging system.

Compared to imaging systems used in the field, MuSIS cameras provide the largest number of imaging spectral bands, which allows for improved diagnostic and documentation capabilities

enable the direct and on-line comparison between images captured at several spectral bands from ultraviolet to infrared, thus enabling the selective inspection and analysis of various layers of the object

provide accurate documentation with the aid of a built-in calibration method

facilitate material identification and visualization of invisible features useful in authentication and art history

comprise a valuable tool for on-line control of restoration interventions

contribute to the protection of artworks and historic objects since their improved diagnostic capabilities can help avoid unnecessary invasive diagnostic interventions

reduce the cost and labor involved in conservation and documentation projects

allow operation by users with no technical background thanks to their graphical, windows-based user interface

Selected Publications