Laser-based systems for the structural diagnostic of artwork: an application to XVII-century Byzantine icons

Abstract

Laser diagnostic systems based on shearography, vibrometry, and holography principles were employed to investigate the potential implementation of laser techniques in art conservation structural diagnostic field. The employed techniques offered the required measuring variability to allow a first discrimination on complex diagnostic uncertainties encountered often in art conservation. The systems were tested and used to assess the structural condition of well-documented Byzantine icons with known structural problems. Defects and mechanical deformations were identified in various distances from the artworks by alternative employment of techniques. In this way simultaneous eligibility classification of the used systems was also obtained. Results of the on-field application on the XVII century Byzantine icons are herein presented with discussion on the prospects of the techniques in the diagnostic field of art conservation.