OCT structural examination of \’Madonna dei Fusi\’ by Leonardo da Vinci

Year: 2013

Authors: Targowski P., Iwanicka M., Sylwestrzak M., Kaszewska E.A., Frosinini C.

Autors Affiliation: Institute of Physics, Department of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Grudzia¸dzka 5, 87-100 Torun, Poland; Institute for the Study, Restoration and Conservation of Cultural Heritage, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Sienkiewicza 30/32, 87-100 Torun, Poland; Opificio delle Pietre Dure e Laboratori di Restauro, Fortezza da Basso, viale F. Strozzi 1, 50129 Firenze, Italy

Abstract: \’Madonna dei Fusi\’ (\’Madonna of the Yarnwider\’) is a spectacular example of Italian Renaissance painting, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. The aim of this study is to give an account of past restoration procedures. The evidence of a former retouching campaign will be presented with cross-sectional images obtained non-invasively with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Specifically, the locations of overpaintings/retouchings with respect to the original paint layer and secondary varnishes will be given. Additionally, the evidence of a former transfer of the pictorial layer to the new canvas support by detecting the presence of its structure incised into paint layer will be shown.

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KeyWords: Cross sectional image; Cross-sectional imaging; Overpainting; Paint layers; Pictorial layers; Renaissance paintings; Restoration procedure; Structural examination, History; Paint, Optical tomography
DOI: 10.1117/12.2021607