Digital Imaging Techniques in Archaeometry: The Case of an Ancient Crucifixion Icon

Abstract

An ancient Crucifixion icon has been studied using imaging techniques integrated with appropriated visualizations. Relevant parameters and suitable algorithms have been selected in a proper sequence to segment the studied images into meaningful elements functional to the attribution of the icon through analysis of the employed materials and techniques. The cross-referencing of the results allowed to identify three main phases in the realization of the painting, to describe their extension, character and determine the possible authors as: Cretan/Ionian painters, '500-' 600 (1 st phase); Hristofor Žefarović, Western Balkans or Vienna, 1730-1753 (2 nd phase); Placido Fabris / Michelangelo Barbini, Venice, mid 19 th c. (3 rd phase).