On 25 September 2025, the Galleria Sabauda of the Musei Reali di Torino hosted the study day “Beyond Beauty”, dedicated to unveiling the hidden stories of masterpieces through science. Among the protagonists was Botticelli’s Venus, the celebrated painting preserved in Turin, which was investigated using state-of-the-art, non-invasive diagnostic techniques.
Within the framework of the research infrastructure E-RIHS.it, Raffaella Fontana, Research Director at CNR-INO, presented the results of the multispectral imaging campaign carried out on the painting.
Multispectral imaging: revealing what lies beneath
Fontana described how multispectral imaging works: by acquiring multiple images of the same surface at different wavelengths, from visible to near-infrared (385–2500 nm). While slower than hyperspectral systems, the scanner developed by CNR and partners over years of European projects (EARTech, Carisma, HyperPerion) offers a crucial advantage: all spectral images are perfectly aligned, greatly simplifying data analysis. She highlighted how this technology enables researchers to study underdrawings, pentimenti, and construction phases of a painting. Thanks to innovative optical components and a scanning head designed to minimize heat exposure, the system ensures safe and precise acquisitions on fragile works of art.
The multispectral survey of Botticelli’s Venus provided remarkable insights:
- Underdrawings and pentimenti: At longer infrared wavelengths, hidden details emerged, such as changes in the rendering of the hand, adjustments in the hair, and structural variations in the background.
- Colorimetric measurements: By recombining visible-band images, the scanner produced true spectrophotometric data, allowing precise quantification of color differences across the surface.
- 3D profiling: An integrated autofocus system allowed simultaneous acquisition of topographical data, adding further layers of information on the painting’s surface.
- Statistical analysis: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed subtle variations in materials and stratigraphy not immediately visible in single-wavelength images.
Fontana emphasized that while physics provides the measurements, the interpretation requires interdisciplinary collaboration with conservators, art historians, and restorers—a reminder that heritage science thrives on dialogue across fields.
Her concluding remarks underscored the value of these approaches: multispectral imaging is not only a diagnostic tool but also a bridge between disciplines, preserving cultural heritage while deepening our understanding of artistic creation.
📽️ Watch Raffaella Fontana’s presentation here (starting at 1:54:34):