Image processing methods integrated to imaging and material characterisation for the study of incunabula illustrations: an innovative multi-analytical approach on a case-study

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37558/gec.v18i1.825
Keywords: incunabula, illumination, IR-reflectography, image processing, material characterization

Abstract

This study focuses on the application of a multi-analytical approach combining image processing techniques, imaging studies and material characterisation of a French late fifteen-early sixteen century incunabulum – the BPE, Inc.438. The first study goal was to verify the potential of computational methods in NIR imaging to retrieve accurate reconstructions of the engraving printings by Germain Hardouyn. For this aspect, two representative scenes were chosen: Trinity, f.8r; Saint Anthony the Abbot, f.61v. The applied methodology allowed faster creation of digital reconstructions while the material analysis proved the use of azurite, malachite, vermilion, lead white and ochres, and their NIR response was assessed in the context of the digital processing. The second goal was to make a comparison between chosen illuminations and engraved references of the same representations from two incunabula of the British Library, unravelling the illuminator’s intentional iconographic alteration based on visual and theological criteria.

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Author Biographies

Silvia Bottura Scardina, CIEBA-UL, CIDEHUS-UE, HERCULES Laboratory-UE, HERITAS-Estudos de Património

Silvia Bottura Scardina is a PhD candidate in Heritage Science. She graduated in Conservation of Books and Documents and got a MS degree in Heritage Science, both times in Rome. Since 2017 she is part of the PhD program of the University of Lisbon and the HERITAS consortium – Estudos de Património connecting the University of Lisbon and the University of Évora as a fellow student of the University of Lisbon (Ref: BD-2017 of the University of Lisbon). She collaborates with the research units CIEBA (Centro de Investigação e de Estudos em Belas-Artes) of the University of Lisbon, CIDEHUS (Centro Interdisciplinar de História, Culturas e Sociedades) and HERCULES Laboratory of the University of Évora. Her research interests are the materials and techniques used to produce illuminated books and illuminated early printed books.

Filipe Themudo Barata, CIDEHUS - University of Évora UNESCO Chair

Filipe Themudo Barata is a Portuguese researcher of the Centro Interdisciplinar de História, Cultura e Sociedades at the University of Évora. Previously Full Professor and Vice-President of the same university, he completed a degree in History at the University of Lisbon and a PhD in the same subject at the University of Évora. Since then, he has been specialising in Medieval History, Mediterranean Cultures, Museology and Intangible Heritage. He is also responsible of UNESCO Chart of Intangible Heritage, member of the Scientific Council of the University of Évora, director of the TPTI- Erasmus Mundus Master course and collaborates in numerous international projects.

Alice Nogueira Alves, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Belas-Artes, Centro de Investigação e de Estudos em Belas-Artes (CIEBA)

Alice Nogueira Alves is a Conservator-Restorer. Since the beginning of her academic training, issues related with the history and theory of restoration and the way different cultures see the artistic object gained fundamental importance in her academic interests, which culminated in the completion of a PhD in Art History, Cultural Heritage and Theory of Restoration, at the School of Arts and Humanities of the University of Lisbon, in 2009. Currently, she is a Guest Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Lisbon.

Catarina Miguel, HERCULES Laboratory, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora

Catarina Amélia Pereira Miguel de Sousa Cabral (Catarina Miguel) has a PhD in Conservation Sciences by the Universidade Nova de Lisboa and a degree in Chemical Engineering by the Universidade de Lisboa- Instituto Superior Técnico. She is a Researcher at  HERCULES Laboratory - Universidade de Évora. Catarina Miguel is co-author of several publications, including books and peer-reviewed papers indexed to scopus. She has co-supervised several MSc and PhD dissertations. She works in the area of Analytical Chemistry applied to Cultural Heritage, and is an expert on the study of the materials and painting techniques of illuminated manuscripts.

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Published
2020-12-10
How to Cite
Bottura Scardina, S., Themudo Barata, F., Nogueira Alves, A., & Miguel, C. (2020). Image processing methods integrated to imaging and material characterisation for the study of incunabula illustrations: an innovative multi-analytical approach on a case-study. Ge-Conservacion, 18, 362-374. https://doi.org/10.37558/gec.v18i1.825
Issue
Vol. 18 (2020): Ge-conservación Nº18
Section
Suplemento
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