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Wall Painting Investigation by Means of Non-invasive Terahertz Time-Domain Imaging (THz-TDI): Inspection of Subsurface Structures Buried in Historical Plasters

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Abstract

Characterization of subsurface features of wall paintings is important in conservation and technical art history as well as in building archaeology and architecture fields. In this study, an area of the apsidal wall painting of Nebbelunde Church (Rødby, Denmark) has been investigated by means of terahertz time-domain imaging (THz-TDI). Subsurface structures have been detected at different depths inside the lime-based plaster of the wall painting until approximately 1 cm from the surface. The surface morphology of the buried structures has been 3D imaged in detail, providing a substantial contribution in their characterization.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Mads Christian Christiansen, Head of Research, Analysis and Consultancy - Conservation Department - National Museum of Denmark, and Kirsten Trampedach, Senior Conservator at the National Museum of Denmark, for the stimulating discussions about the valuable wall painting in Nebbelunde, for joining us during on-site investigation mission, and for the help with the permits; Birgitte Flensburg, Vicar at Nebbelunde Church, Birthe Måhr, Head of Church Council, and Michael Viid Thage, Churchwarden, are acknowledged for their help in the logistics of the survey campaign.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark

    Corinna Ludovica Koch Dandolo & Peter Uhd Jepsen

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  1. Corinna Ludovica Koch Dandolo
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  2. Peter Uhd Jepsen
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Correspondence to Corinna Ludovica Koch Dandolo.

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Dandolo, C.L.K., Jepsen, P.U. Wall Painting Investigation by Means of Non-invasive Terahertz Time-Domain Imaging (THz-TDI): Inspection of Subsurface Structures Buried in Historical Plasters. J Infrared Milli Terahz Waves 37, 198–208 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10762-015-0218-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10762-015-0218-9

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