When it is not only about color: The importance of hyperspectral imaging applied to the investigation of paintings

This paper illustrates some of the developments achieved in the field of non-contact analytical tools for two-dimensional polychrome artworks. It reports significant advantages within the application of hyperspectral imaging for high-quality documentation, accurate color reproduction, study of artists' materials and techniques, and identification of past conservation treatments. In particular, Dürer's oil painting on panel, Adoration of the Magi (1504), was analyzed with a pushbroom hyperspectral imaging system in the visible-near-infrared range (Vis-NIR, 400-900 nm). The results obtained, including high-resolution coloraccurate and false-color images, as well as high-resolution reflectance spectra, are reported and discussed, and the importance of hyperspectral imaging applied to the investigation of paintings is shown