Near-Infrared Laser Scanning (NILS) to Differentiate Historical Inks, Deployed on a Stained and Faded Ninth-Century Fragment of Boethius Reused as Binding Material: Proving a Concept
Alessandra Sorbello Staub|Johannes Staub|Inga Richter|Marc Birringer
Abstract In this paper we describe the use of a dual-wavelength near-infrared laser scanner (NILS) to reveal ink differences in ninth century Boethius fragment. The scanning system worked at 680 and 780 nm excitation wavelength with maximal resolution 21 µm. Fresh images were recorded both wavelengths compared others based on conventional methods, such as UV photography infrared reflectography. Whereas latter secured no new information for mapping distinguishing via inks layered genesis manuscript, fragment fluorescence revealed different used elaborate manuscript. method distinguished respective glosses, other marginal notes, neumes main text. Furthermore, corrections additions invisible under types light discovered by NILS combination paleographic methods. scope limitations when investigate stained or faded reused parchment (Makulatur) and/or restored manuscripts are discussed detail.
Restaurator-international Journal for The Preservation of Library and Archival Material