Ultraviolet fluorescence
Ultraviolet (UV) fluorescence is a diagnostic method for the preliminary analysis of works of art for restoration. It investigates the level of degradation and is useful for certifying the presence of parts of non-original pictorial material and to what extent. By projecting a beam of ultraviolet rays onto the painted surface, different refractions can be detected based on their aging. Their fluorescence intensity increases with the increase in the autoxidation and polymerization processes that the pigments undergo over time. This non-invasive method is particularly useful for planning conservation interventions, allowing the distinction between original layers and subsequent additions, guiding the restorer in choosing the most appropriate techniques for the recovery of the work.