Data In Brief: MA-XRF+PPT imaging on Painting_1 Painting_2 Painting_3

These datasets are related to a research article that interprets how macroscopic X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) combined with pulse phase thermography (PPT), a variation of active Infrared Thermography (IRT), can help to better comprehend the wooden substrate of panel paintings and in particular to study two frequently encountered modifications: (a) additions of boards to enlarge the painting (so called Anstückungen) or (b) replacements of (parts) of the wooden boards (substitutions). Combined MA-XRF and PPT imaging was performed on three 16th and 17th c. Netherlandish paintings, for which X-ray radiography (XRR) and infrared reflectography (IRR) had indicated an intervention to the wooden panel, without being able to give further insight. This data article describes the raw datasets compiled during the MA-XRF and PPT imaging experiments.

The MA-XRF datasets provide information on the chemical elements present in the painting and their distribution over the painting, while PPT imaging can visualise variations between or in materials, resulting from a different response to minor temperature fluctuations after the surface of the artwork is thermally excited by a short light pulse of optical radiation.

Sharing these datasets will be valuable for cultural heritage scientists, chemists/physics, art historians and software developers as they can re-use the datasets to test, improve and upgrade the current MA-XRF data processing software, further explore the potential of active IRT and the different post processing options, improve the stitching software for both MA-XRF and PPT imaging, re-use data for interpretation and, thus, improve the understanding of the modus operandi of 16th and 17th c. Netherlandish painters, specifically their material use (e.g. paint materials, wooden support, etc.).