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

Abstract

A 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” (260×230cm2), 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.