Using Hyperspectral Imaging as a Non-Destructive Method to Discern Artworks


Imitation and fake artworks are rampant in the art market, amounting up to billions in forgeries that enter the art market. Authentication processes to ensure that art works are genuine originals generally require a lot of time and effort and sometimes requires destructive testing to be done. This is also a process that involves a lot of subjectivity due to the experience and judgement of the appraisers. A method to non-destructively appraise and authenticate artwork while reducing the time and cost spent is required. Hyperspectral imaging allows art works to be inspected non-destructively and at a much faster timing while removing any involvement of subjectivity. This work shows the capability of hyperspectral imaging in differentiating not only the pigmentation differences in an art piece which may be visually subjective to the naked eye but even the difference in the material composition of paints being used.
