Revisiting Reflectance Transformation Imaging(RTI): A Tool for Monitoring and Evaluating Conservation Treatments

摘要

Reflectance Transformation Imaging(RTI)has already been used for about twenty years in the field of Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage for non-invasive condition assessment and documentation.However,its potential can be expanded.This paper will discuss the benefits of applying this readily available and low-tech technique to evaluate and monitor conservation treatments.Since the RTI software calculates the exact angle of the light for each RTI image taken,lighting conditions can be reproduced,leading to a standardisation of oblique light imaging.As a result,images produced before and after a conservation treatment can be compared.This allows for an objective evaluation of the treatment carried out and enables monitoring the condition of the painting over time.