Mid-infrared macroscopic mapping and hyperspectral imaging: State-of-the-art and new perspectives for non-invasive in-situ investigation of artworks

Macroscopic mapping and hyperspectral imaging in the mid-infrared region (2500-25000 nm/4000-400 cm-1) are promising technologies in the field of analysis of cultural heritage. So far they have been successfully employed to study paintings and illuminated manuscripts, gathering important information on spatial distribution of artists’ materials. The present paper reports on the application of mid-infrared macroscopic mapping and hyperspectral imaging to the study of artworks. For an exhaustive overview, instrumental details, working principles and image processing methods will be also presented and discussed.