math in conservation
Page 1: Introduction
The speaker expresses gratitude for the invitation and emphasizes the importance of voice projection during the presentation, encouraging audience feedback.
A dedication is made to Kathy Peterson, who is instrumental in coordinating the event and providing support.
The talk will cover the intersection of mathematics with art history and conservation, highlighting how mathematicians have aided art historians.
Page 2: Application of Mathematics in Art
Two primary cases will be explored: the restoration of the Elmitana Church in Italy and the use of mathematics in virtually aging and rejuvenating artworks.
The Elmitana Church suffered damage during the Second World War due to bombing, particularly affecting significant frescoes, with some being preserved due to prior removal.
Page 3: Gathering Data on Damaged Artworks
Following the war, art conservators began documenting the damaged pieces, noting fragments and their conditions.
By the early '90s, it became feasible to digitalize these fragments and consider computational methods for reconstruction, leveraging advances in technology.
Page 4: Digital Image Processing
The process involved photographing fragments, digitizing images, and managing a large dataset.
The challenge of reconstructing pieces was likened to solving a puzzle without having all the information, as fragment orientations and positions were unknown.
The use of digitized images allowed researchers to explore various proposals for reconstruction.
Page 5: Challenges in Image Comparison
Discusses complications in comparing digitized images due to slight translations or rotations altering the recognition of fragments.
A proposal involved creating a unique set of harmonized values for digital images to facilitate comparison despite these challenges.
Page 6: Use of Fourier Analysis
Explains the use of circular harmonics for image transformation, which simplifies the recognition of shapes regardless of their position.
These mathematical functions allow the representation of images through base forms, assisting in reconstruction efforts.
Page 7: Volunteer Contributions to Reconstruction
Volunteer efforts included using digitized fragments to fit into a composite representation, where the best fitting fragments were selected based on distinct features.
The reconstruction emphasized analyzing different placements and potential rotations for fragments.
Page 8: Conservators’ Insights
Conservators provided crucial insights into the restoration process, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in replacing damaged artwork.
Highlighted the meticulous nature of reconstructive work, with careful consideration given to color schemes and other details from damaged fragments.
Page 9: Distinction Between Original and Reconstruction
The reconstruction practices emphasized visual clarity and distinguishing between original artwork and reconstructed elements.
The restoration level aimed to inform and educate rather than mislead viewers about the historical authenticity of the pieces.
Page 10: Innovations in Presentation
Discusses a project that involved using smartphone technology to allow viewers to visualize historical reconstructions of artworks.
This reintroduction of the artwork aimed to provide context and enhance appreciation of the original pieces.
Page 11: X-ray Analysis in Art History
Introduces a method for analyzing materials in artworks using x-ray techniques, focusing on the canvas and underlying preparations.
The role of x-rays in identifying layers added depth to understanding the creation process of paintings.
Page 12: Understanding Canvas Preparations
Details the preparation of canvases for painting, particularly during the 19th century, emphasizing different priming techniques.
The interaction between paint and canvas preparation can affect the appearance of the final artwork.
Page 13: Identifying Weave Patterns in Canvas
Discusses methods for analyzing the texture and weave of canvas pieces to infer details about the artworks’ origins and techniques used.
Identifying the oscillation patterns in fabric could reveal the manufacturing process and influence on the artwork’s execution.
Page 14: Research Findings on Fabric Evidence
Research demonstrated that common fabric sources were used across various paintings, illustrating connections between different works of art from the same period.
Museums began applying this knowledge to authenticate and re-evaluate artwork.
Page 15: Case Study on Velázquez Paintings
The application of fabric analysis led to the discovery that previously dismissed works were actually associated with master painters such as Velázquez, enhancing their historical value.
Page 16: Early Image Analysis Project
Recaps the speaker’s initial experience in applying image analysis within art history about 15 years ago.
Demonstrates the evolution of their collaborative efforts and the development of more complex analytical questions in subsequent projects.
Page 17: Wave Analysis Methodology
Outlines the use of wave analysis to determine which features and styles are prominent in artwork.
Describes the blurring technique used in image processing to isolate significant details in paintings.
Page 18: Detecting Edges in Blurred Images
The process of identifying differences between blurred images helps highlight important features and edges, essential in understanding artistic techniques.
Page 19: X-ray Fluorescence in Painting Analysis
Introduces x-ray fluorescence as a method to analyze the composition of paints used by artists, revealing underlying layers and historical context.
Page 20: Insights into Van Gogh's Techniques
Discusses the use of x-ray technology to uncover hidden illustrations by Van Gogh, offering insights into his creative process and material choices.
Page 21: Color Analysis from X-ray Fluorescence
Details how x-ray fluorescence can be used to identify the specific pigments utilized in a painting, aiding in accurate restorations and reconstructions.
Page 22: Challenges in X-ray Imaging
Challenges faced during the imaging process due to the limitations of existing x-ray technology, particularly concerning the movement of paintings during analysis.
Page 23: Modeling and Adjustments for Accurate Imaging
Discusses mathematical models used to adjust and correct information captured during the x-ray imaging process.
Emphasizes the importance of refining data for quality analysis.
Page 24: Techniques for Digital Restoration
Illustrates restoration techniques incorporating volunteer support and digital modeling.
Showcases how conservators fill in gaps in missing areas based on original artwork styles and colors.
Page 25: Discovery of Missing Blue Pigments
Addresses the issue of certain pigments being undetectable through x-ray fluorescence and how past experiences informed restoration approaches.
Highlights the similarity in color tones amongst Van Gogh's works that may guide restorations.
Page 26: Analysis of Dark and Light Paints
Explains how dark colors can obscure differences in pigments, impacting the interpretation of artworks and requiring careful analysis.
Page 27: Collaboration for Church Restoration
Details a collaborative effort involving churches and various museum authorities to restore and display an art piece that had missing components.
Page 28: Reconstruction of a Missing Altarpiece
Involves commissioning an artist to reconstruct missing panels of historical altarpiece pieces, emphasizing careful research and technique.
Page 29: Artistic Reconstruction Techniques
Artist Charlie Costas’s approach to reconstructing art pieces draws from foundational techniques used by original artists, maintaining historical integrity.
Page 30: Visual Impact of the Reconstruction
The reconstructions are intended to be educational resources, allowing interaction while preserving original artworks' integrity.
Page 31: Mathematical Aging of Art
The mathematical modeling of age and texture is applied to evaluate changes in artwork over time and how these alterations can be virtually visualized.
Page 32: Process of Virtual Aging
Highlights the detailed work that goes into simulating aging effects on paintings while preserving the original artist’s work.
Page 33: Rejuvenating Artwork
Discusses methods for rejuvenating and restoring artworks while maintaining authentication and historical accuracy.
Page 34: Identifying Cracks in Paintings
Identifying and addressing cracks in artwork requires specialized techniques, as colors may vary across different sections of the painting.
Page 35: Collaboration with Experts
Engage in conversations with art historians to ensure that restoration efforts are aligned with historical accuracy and authenticity in depiction.
Page 36: Exploring Coloring Techniques
Discusses the importance of various painting methods and how they influence modern restoration practices, particularly around precise color matching.
Page 37: Methods for Enhancing Art Restoration
Describes the importance of using appropriate methods and techniques to create the most historically accurate restorations possible.
Page 38: Rejuvenation Challenges
Discusses the intricate detail involved in replicating aging effects, especially for elements such as gilding in paintings.
Page 39: Reflection Properties in Paintings
Sharing insights from the restoration process, particularly how to simulate reflections in paint, adds realism to the artwork.
Page 40: Conclusion and Summary
Concludes with reflections on the potency of mathematics in enhancing our understanding and preservation of art. The talk emphasizes collaboration between mathematicians and art conservators to maintain artistic integrity.