SPAIN : RESTORATION
Valencian Institute of Conservation, Restoration and Research
Customized Design of an XYZ System for Spectral Imaging of the Portrait of Philip V
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
Purposes of the Philip V Portrait Restoration Project
The main objective was to restore the portrait of Philip V in the Museum of Fine Arts of Xátiva to its original splendor and to discover hidden pictorial elements and inscriptions within the painting. We sought to provide high-resolution images of the painting in various spectral bands for detailed analysis, thus improving the cultural, historical and artistic context of the portrait. In addition, the aim was to contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage.
Date of execution:
First half of 2024
Location:
Xátiva (Valencia)
Sector:
Restoration
Client:
How we made it happen
Technological Innovation by Grupo Álava in the Restoration of the Portrait of Philip V
Grupo Álava designed a customized XYZ Cartesian system with an XY path of 1100mm according to the specifications of the Institut Valencià de Conservació, Restauració i Investigació (IVCR+i). Using two Specim FX10 and FX17 hyperspectral cameras with pushbroom technology, and a high resolution SWIR Raptor Owl 1280 camera, various image sensors were combined to capture images from the ultraviolet to the near infrared band. The programmable scanner enabled continuous sweeps and high-resolution step-by-step portrait captures. All captured images were merged to form a very high resolution photograph in the infrared range of the portrait.
OUR CONTRIBUTION
Some of our products and services applied to this project
Service
Technology consulting
We advise on the best technological solution to apply according to the needs of each project. Learn more about our technology consulting.
Product
3D Vision
Specim FX10 and FX17 hyperspectral cameras with pushbroom technology enable detailed imaging across a wide spectral range, from ultraviolet to near infrared. The high resolution SWIR Raptor Owl 1280 camera specializes in detection in the shortwave infrared spectrum, providing high quality images in that specific band.
RESULTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Discoveries and Technological Advances in the Restoration of the Portrait of Philip V
During the restoration, a fallen horse was discovered in the representation of the Battle of Almansa, hidden during previous restorations. Inscriptions were also found on a cartouche in the lower right corner of the canvas, alluding to possible dynastic changes in the reign of Philip V. The use of the near infrared band made it possible to identify underlying drawings and rectifications. Thanks to the techniques employed and the device designed by Grupo Álava, the IVCR+i achieved a significant technological advance in the field of restoration, providing high-precision restoration and a more concrete cultural context to the portrait.
OUR EXPERIENCE
