A Critical Review of Methods and Techniques Used for Monitoring Deformations in Wooden Panel Paintings

Wooden panel paintings (WPPs) are among the most significant historical artworks that must be preserved for future generations. Ensuring their long-term conservation requires a comprehensive characterization of their condition, making monitoring an essential process. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current techniques employed to study support deformations in WPPs, categorizing them into localized and full-field methods. Specifically, we provide information about linear potentiometric transducers, the Deformometric Kit, and Fiber Bragg Grating sensors as techniques that provide information about specific and isolated points on the artwork’s surface. On the other hand, digital image correlation, stereo-correlation, mark-tracking, 3D modeling techniques, and the moiré method, are discussed as techniques that analyze the entire surface or a significant part of the artwork. Each method has advantages and limitations, depending on the type of monitoring needed and the desired information. Nevertheless, these techniques contribute to understanding the behavior of the artworks’ materials under environmental fluctuations or restoration interventions, aiding the development of targeted and effective conservation strategies. Furthermore, this study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of these methods in various conservation contexts and offers practical guidelines to assist conservators and researchers in selecting the most appropriate approach to support the long-term conservation of these invaluable historical artworks.