SYDDARTA: new methodology for digitization of deterioration estimation in paintings

ABSTRACT The SYDDARTA project is an on-going European Commission funded initiative under the 7th Framework Programme. Its main objective is the development of a pre-industrial prototype for diagnosing the deterioration of movable art assets. The device combines two different optical techniques for the acquisition of data. On one hand, hyperspectral imaging is implemented by means of electronically tunable filters. On the other, 3D scanning, using structured light projection and capturing is developed. These techniques are integrated in a single piece of equipment, allowing the recording of two optical information streams. Together with multi-sensor data merging and information processing, estimates of artwork deterioration and degradation can be made. In particular, the resulting system will implement two optical channels (3D scanning and short wave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral imaging) featuring a structured light projector and electronically tunable spectral separators. The system will work in the VIS-NIR range (400-1000nm), and SWIR range (900-2500nm). It will be also portable and user-friendly. Among all possible art work under consideration, Baroque paintings on canvas and wooden panels were selected as the project case studies