Radiography is used to understand the structure of paintings thanks to several generators of different powers. An important work is carried out on the optimal parameters to be applied according to the very varied materials of the heritage and in particular when their presence is mixed (wood, fabrics, pigments, plaster, ivory, glass…).
The radiography shows:
- The nature and the state of the support and the structure of the work
- The pictorial technique, the petimenti, or underlying paintings and thus to interpret the gestures and the technique of the artist
- The presence of marks which can indicate whether it is an original work and not a replica
- The areas previously restored
- The state of conservation of the work (pictorial layer, canvas, terracotta, porcelain, earthenware)
- The presence of wood-eating insects