A review of RTI and an investigation into the applicability of micro-RTI as a tool for the documentation and conservation of modern and contemporary paintings

Hughes-Hallett, M., Young, C. and Messier, P. (2021) A review of RTI and an investigation into the applicability of micro-RTI as a tool for the documentation and conservation of modern and contemporary paintings. Journal of the American Institute for Conservation, 60(1), pp. 18-31. (doi: 10.1080/01971360.2019.1700724)

Abstract

Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) is a non-invasive method of examination which can be used to document and visualize the surface texture of objects, including artworks. Through imaging an object under different directions of illumination, topographical maps of a low relief surface can be produced, which when further processed can be used as an interactive visual aid. This paper summarizes the current state of research on micro-RTI, and presents an investigation into a micro-RTI system comprised of a digital microscope and miniature lighting array dome, which was originally developed to study small areas of surface texture. The article reviews the techniques required to adequately use the micro-RTI, and evaluates the system’s use as a practical tool for conserving and documenting modern and contemporary easel paintings. This was determined by evaluating its data processing, ability to accurately document test panels and case study paintings, and comparing it with alternative documentation methods of standard microscopy and laser scanning. It was found that micro-RTI is a useful tool for modern and contemporary paintings and their often complex and/or delicate surfaces, where subtle surface alterations can result in visually distracting features.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Young, Professor Christina
• Authors: Hughes-Hallett, M., Young, C., and Messier, P.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Culture and Creative Arts > History of Art
• Journal Name: Journal of the American Institute for Conservation
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• ISSN: 0197-1360
• ISSN (Online): 1945-2330
• Published Online: 31 March 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 American Institute for Conservation
• First Published: First published in Journal of the American Institute for Conservation 60(1): 18-31
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy