Hyperspectral imaging workflow for the acquisition and analysis of stained-glass panels

Abstract

Hyperspectral imaging has become a powerful technique for the non-invasive investigation of works of art. An advantage of this technique is the possibility to obtain spectral information over the entire spatial region of interest, allowing the identification and mapping of the constituent materials of the artefact under study. While hyperspectral imaging has been extensively used for artworks such as paintings and manuscripts, few works have been published on the use of this technique on stained glass. In this paper, a workflow for the imaging and analysis of stained-glass windows is proposed. The acquisition is carried out using a laboratory set-up adapted for transmittance measurement, which can support panels with a maximum size of around 50 x 50 cm. The image processing is carried out with two aims: visualization and chromophore identification. The results of this processing provide a foundation to discuss the potential of hyperspectral imaging for the scientific analysis of stained-glass windows.