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New insights on Titian's Ecce Homo materiality by coupled MA-XRF, RIS and LIS scanning
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DOI：10.1016/j.culher.2026.03.003.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
During the two last decades, scanning macro X-Ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) has proven its added value over XRF point analysis. New insights are gained regarding materiality, painting techniques, history of restoration or components of the underlying composition, by imaging pigment distribution within large areas of paintworks, based on their elemental signature. Reflection imaging spectroscopy (RIS) and luminescence imaging spectroscopy (LIS) are non-invasive techniques that complement MA-XRF analysis by mapping and identifying pigments over the studied area, thus corroborating MA-XRF results or revealing organic materials, non-detectable by MA-XRF. We present here the study of an Ecce Homo easel painting by Titian, by means of MA-XRF, RIS and LIS scanning, supported by an extensive art historical investigation. Our work builds on earlier studies of the painting, which revealed a complete portrait of an unidentified man under the Ecce Homo painting layer. Data interpretation was facilitated by the natural alignment of XRF, RIS and LIS datasets, thus providing a combined X-Ray Fluorescence, Reflectance and Luminescence signature for each point of the scanned area. A comprehensive visualization of the underlying composition was thus obtained, owing to the intrinsic characteristics of the XRF methods and a complementary scan from the back of the canvas, revealing details of the face of the man depicted in the underlying composition. Moreover, new clues regarding the pigment composition of the painting were brought up through this study, revealing a different palette of pigments for the front composition than the hidden one. RIS maps shows the use of ultramarine at different locations in the upper composition, and the LIS map allows the visualization of the different varnish qualities, corresponding to ancient and restoration varnishes. The present study provides an enhanced analytical approach to the painting, which enriched our understanding of the canvas stratigraphy and the relationship between the two paintings. Furthermore, the study's contribution underscores the significance of meta-studies and the continuing revision of science and technology developments in cultural heritage. (c) 2026 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Keywords:
Macro X-ray fluorescence
Reflectance imaging spectroscopy
Luminescence imaging spectroscopy
Underlying painting
Titian
Ecce Homo
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