Architectural assessment of wall paintings using a multimodal and multi-resolution diagnostic approach: The test site of the Brancacci chapel in Firenze

Based on the analysis of the renaissance wall paintings by Masaccio, Masolino, and Filippino Lippi in the Brancacci chapel in Firenze, this paper discusses the use of complementary non-destructive techniques based on microwave and optical methods for the characterization of the structural integrity of the wall paintings and their support in masonry. The selected non-destructive techniques are the InfraRed Thermography (IRT), Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Microwave Reflectometry (MWR), and Digital Holographic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (DHSPI). In particular, the paper analyses the in-situ applicability of these techniques for the identification of the sequence of past interventions during centuries (stratigraphy analysis) and decay phenomena and defects, such as out-of-plumb or swelling area/elements, detachments, cracks and voids inside the wall. The results are compared with data obtained by means of consolidated techniques and methods, such as the Photogrammetry (performed by Structure from Motion method) and knocking test. The last one is normally used by restorers and conservators to recognize the presence of detachments. The proposed diagnostic strategy provides a survey from large scale by means of imaging techniques, to small scale increasing the spatial resolution thanks to the scanning of the surface by means of spot techniques. Therefore, the macroscopic survey of wall paintings was carried out using photogrammetry, in order to also provide metric information, to quantify the sizing out-of-plumb and swelling of the masonry or to locate of cracks, and followed by IRT. This preliminary morphometric survey was, supplemented by GPR, MWR and DHSPI for improve the results of the investigation. By combining these three techniques it was possible to inspect the entire thickness of the masonry (60­70 cm) with resolutions ranging from a few millimetres up to several centimetres. The combination of microwave-based and optical-based methods proved to be a valuable addition to routine methods for the holistic masonry diagnosis. Standard practice based on visual inspection and knocking test can be significantly improved and objectified by the proposed full-field, multi-sensor, multi-resolution approach.