Infrared thermography analysis with a low-cost camera in plaster sculptures of museum collections

Rui Bordalo; Salomé Carvalho; José Guilherme Abreu; Eduarda Vieira

doi:10.37558/gec.v20i1.879

Infrared thermography analysis with a low-cost camera in plaster sculptures of museum collections

Rui Bordalo^*, Salomé Carvalho, José Guilherme Abreu, Eduarda Vieira

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

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Abstract

Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-destructive and non-invasive technique that provides the possibility to investigate the surface of sculptures for the detection of subsurface features and anomalies such as delamination, layer structure, fillings, and defects. IRT has been widely used in buildings and large structures, as well as in works of art such as bronze sculptures and paintings. This article describes the application of active infrared thermography, using a portable low-cost IRT camera, in the examination of plaster sculptures, a material where it has not yet been applied to. In particular, it was used in two plaster sculptures by 19th-century Portuguese artist Soares dos Reis, within a wider project (GEO-SR) aimed at the study of his work. The results indicate that thermography is a suitable technique with a great potential to detect alterations under the surface of plaster, revealing a new look into its manufacturing and conservation.

Translated title of the contribution	Análise termográfica por infravermelhos com câmara de baixo custo em esculturas de gesso em colecções museológicas
Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	7-15
Number of pages	9
Journal	Ge-conservación
Volume	20
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.37558/gec.v20i1.879
Publication status	Published - 22 Sept 2021

Keywords

IRT
Sculpture
Plaster collections
GEO-SR project
Sustainability

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Access to Document

10.37558/gec.v20i1.879Licence: CC BY-NC-ND

38878460Final published version, 367 KBLicence: CC BY-NC-ND

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.14/35712Licence: CC BY-NC-ND

Cite this

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title = "Infrared thermography analysis with a low-cost camera in plaster sculptures of museum collections",

abstract = "Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-destructive and non-invasive technique that provides the possibility to investigate the surface of sculptures for the detection of subsurface features and anomalies such as delamination, layer structure, fillings, and defects. IRT has been widely used in buildings and large structures, as well as in works of art such as bronze sculptures and paintings. This article describes the application of active infrared thermography, using a portable low-cost IRT camera, in the examination of plaster sculptures, a material where it has not yet been applied to. In particular, it was used in two plaster sculptures by 19th-century Portuguese artist Soares dos Reis, within a wider project (GEO-SR) aimed at the study of his work. The results indicate that thermography is a suitable technique with a great potential to detect alterations under the surface of plaster, revealing a new look into its manufacturing and conservation.",

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author = "Rui Bordalo and Salom{\'e} Carvalho and Abreu, {Jos{\'e} Guilherme} and Eduarda Vieira",

note = "Funding Information: This paper is one of a series dedicated to the study of the sculptures by Soares do Reis, within the GEO-SR project -“Multidisciplinary approach to alteration, alterability and conservation of Soares dos Reis geomaterial sculpture: breaking boundaries in museum paradigms and creating value in changing societies through Cultural Heritage”-(funding by FEDER and FCT, reference number 031304). We also like to acknowledge the collaboration of Soares dos Reis National Museum (Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage). Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2021. All Rights Reserved.",

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publisher = "Grupo Espanol del IIC (International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works)",

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N1 - Funding Information: This paper is one of a series dedicated to the study of the sculptures by Soares do Reis, within the GEO-SR project -“Multidisciplinary approach to alteration, alterability and conservation of Soares dos Reis geomaterial sculpture: breaking boundaries in museum paradigms and creating value in changing societies through Cultural Heritage”-(funding by FEDER and FCT, reference number 031304). We also like to acknowledge the collaboration of Soares dos Reis National Museum (Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage). Publisher Copyright: © 2021. All Rights Reserved.

PY - 2021/9/22

Y1 - 2021/9/22

N2 - Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-destructive and non-invasive technique that provides the possibility to investigate the surface of sculptures for the detection of subsurface features and anomalies such as delamination, layer structure, fillings, and defects. IRT has been widely used in buildings and large structures, as well as in works of art such as bronze sculptures and paintings. This article describes the application of active infrared thermography, using a portable low-cost IRT camera, in the examination of plaster sculptures, a material where it has not yet been applied to. In particular, it was used in two plaster sculptures by 19th-century Portuguese artist Soares dos Reis, within a wider project (GEO-SR) aimed at the study of his work. The results indicate that thermography is a suitable technique with a great potential to detect alterations under the surface of plaster, revealing a new look into its manufacturing and conservation.

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Infrared thermography analysis with a low-cost camera in plaster sculptures of museum collections

Abstract

Keywords

UN SDGs

Access to Document

Other files and links

Fingerprint

CITAR: Research Center for Science and Technology of the Arts

GEO-SR: Multidisciplinary approach to alteration, alterability and conservation of Soares dos Reis' geomatee

Cite this

Infrared thermography analysis with a low-cost camera in plaster sculptures of museum collections

Abstract

Keywords

UN SDGs

Access to Document

Other files and links

Fingerprint

Projects

CITAR: Research Center for Science and Technology of the Arts

GEO-SR: Multidisciplinary approach to alteration, alterability and conservation of Soares dos Reis' geomatee

Cite this