Spectral imaging of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa: A true color smile without the influence of aged varnish

摘要

Two photos of the famous Mona Lisa were taken in October 2004 to contribute towards improving the technical and scientific data of the masterpiece before moving it in April 2005. The capabilities of the multispectral system developed by the LUMIERE TECHNOLOGY Company within the scope of the European CRISATEL project have made it possible to achieve optimal spatial resolution on the masterpiece, the highest level of sharpness ever achieved in the field of infrared reflectography, and a level of accuracy regarding color information which cannot be achieved with traditional technologies. Based on this new data, we suggest in this publication that the influence of aged varnish be removed, the significant discoloration of which alters the readability of the masterpiece.