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THz pulsed time-domain imaging of an oil canvas painting: a case study of a painting by Pablo Picasso

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Abstract

The terahertz pulsed time-domain imaging technique and near-infrared observation were applied to investigate an oil painting on canvas by Pablo Picasso. The multilayer structure is clearly observed in cross-sectional image by terahertz pulsed time-domain imaging, and particular Cubism style lines were revealed under newly painted area by near-infrared image.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express their gratitude to Akira Tomita and Kie Hanzawa of Tokyo Station Gallery for providing the opportunity to investigate the painting, and for their helpful discussions on the observation results. The authors also thank Haruki Yaegashi for his useful comments on interpreting various images.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Tokyo, 184-8795, Japan

    Kaori Fukunaga

  2. Spectra Design, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-0403, Japan

    Tomofumi Ikari

  3. Iwai Art Conservation Institute, Chiba, 285-0867, Japan

    Kikuko Iwai

Authors
  1. Kaori Fukunaga
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  2. Tomofumi Ikari
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  3. Kikuko Iwai
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Correspondence to Kaori Fukunaga.

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Fukunaga, K., Ikari, T. & Iwai, K. THz pulsed time-domain imaging of an oil canvas painting: a case study of a painting by Pablo Picasso. Appl. Phys. A 122, 106 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-015-9558-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-015-9558-5

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