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X-ray research

What lies beneath the surface comes to light

Behind the visible layers of a work of art often lies a hidden story. With X-ray analysis, we reveal what the naked eye can't see; secrets, alterations, and surprising discoveries.

About the project

With X-ray examination, we see right through objects to reveal their hidden secrets. Paintings, paper, sculptures, models, musical instruments, and even shipwreck finds reveal their inner structure. We not only visualize hidden elements but also investigate how objects are constructed and whether they are mechanically stable. For objects with complex structures, we use a specially developed CT scanner, which allows us to examine them in three dimensions. This gives us unique insight into the material and technical aspects of heritage without damaging it - a glimpse beyond the visible, deep into the core of art and history.

Aims of the project

This project aims to develop and apply new methods for three-dimensionally examining heritage objects using advanced CT techniques. A particular challenge is obtaining 3D information from seemingly flat objects like paintings, where traditional CT methods often fall short. Therefore, we are investigating innovative imaging techniques that can also provide valuable insights into such complex or flat structures, such as laminography. This way, we aim to reveal hidden information without causing damage. The results contribute to a better understanding of material use, construction, and conservation needs, and strengthen the role of CT as a non-destructive analysis tool in the heritage sector.

Related publications

F.G. Bossema, W.J. Palenstijn, A. Heginbotham, M. Corona, T. Van Leeuwen, R. Van Liere, J. Dorscheid, D. O’Flynn, J. Dyer, E. Hermens, en K.J. Batenburg. ‘Enabling 3D CT-scanning of cultural heritage objects using only in-house 2D X-ray equipment in museums’ Nature Communications, 15, (2024), 3939

M.B. Kiss, F.G. Bossema, P.J.C. van Laar, S. Meijer, F. Lucka, T. van Leeuwen en K.J. Batenburg, ‘Beam filtration for object-tailored X-ray CT of multi-material cultural heritage objects’, Heritage Science, 11, (2023), 130

J. Dorscheid, F.G. Bossema, P. van Duin, S.B. Coban, R. van Liere, K.J. Batenburg en G.P. Di Stefano, ‘Looking under the skin – multi-scale CT scanning of a peculiarly constructed cornett in the Rijksmuseum’, Heritage Science, 10, (2022), 161

M. Domínguez-Delmás, F.G. Bossema, J. Dorscheid, S.B. Coban, M. Hall-Aquitania, K.J. Batenburg en E. Hermens, ‘X-ray computed tomography for non-invasive dendrochronology reveals a concealed double panelling on a painting from Rubens’ studio’, PLOS ONE, 16 (8), (2021), e0255792

F.G. Bossema, M. Domínguez-Delmás, W.J. Palenstijn, A. Kostenko, J. Dorscheid, S.B. Coban, E. Hermens en K.J. Batenburg, ‘A novel method for dendrochronology of large historical wooden objects using line trajectory X-ray tomography’, Scientific Reports, 11, (2021), 11024

F.G. Bossema, S.B. Coban, A. Kostenko, P. van Duin, J. Dorscheid, I. Garachon, E. Hermens, R. van Liere en K.J. Batenburg, ‘Integrating expert feedback on the spot in a time-efficient explorative CT scanning workflow for cultural heritage objects’, Journal of Cultural Heritage, 49, (2021), 38-47

Staff

Frederik Vanmeert
f.vanmeert@rijksmuseum.nl
Researcher

Katrien Keune
k.keune@rijksmuseum.nl
Head of Science

Partners and sponsors

Virtutis Opus Fonds

Universiteit Leiden

CWI (Universiteit van Amsterdam)

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