This work is intended to deal with the problems which arise when illuminanting Paleolithic cave paintings. We have carried out the spectral and colorimetric characterization of some paintings located in the Murcielagos (bats) cave (Zuheros, Córdoba, Spain). From this characterization, the chromatic changes produced under different lighting conditions are analysed. The damage function is also computed for the different illuminants used. From the results obtained, it is proposed an illuminant whose spectral distribution diminishes the damage by minimizing the absorption of radiation and optimises the color perception of the paintings in this cave. The procedure followed in this study can be applied to optimise the lighting systems used when illuminating any other art work

Date Published: 21 August 2009
PDF: 12 pages
Proc. SPIE 7429, Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization XII, 742907 (21 August 2009); doi: 10.1117/12.826503

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 7429:
Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization XII
R. John Koshel; G. Groot Gregory, Editor(s)