APPLICATIONS(3)
The VASARI system can be fitted with an X-ray or Infra-red scanner. Combined with visible images, these can be used for greater analysis of the paintings. In addition, because of the high wavelength of infra-red light, top levels of paint are transparent. This can reveal charcoal sketches that the artist made before painting, and offers researchers more information for their studies of the paintings on the artists’ original intentions, any restoration attempts, and any modifications to the painting made by subsequent artist. (An example is loincloths that were often painted over nude figures.) The picture below is an infrared scan on top of a visual scan to show an additional figure in the original sketch. A younger man was originally painted by the artist in place of the man on the right.
X-rays can be used in the VASARI system as well to show construction details of the painting (wooden supports and nails).