Mastering Infrared Imaging: Developing an Informed Eye
11–12 November 2026 | The Hague & Wassenaar, Netherlands
€680 | Two-day workshop
Participants may register for either one day or the full two-day workshop.
Student pricing: Special rates are available for students. Please contact [email protected] for further information.
Places are limited. Early registration is encouraged.
➤ Click here for full schedule
Infrared and spectral imaging are essential tools in the technical examination of paintings, revealing evidence of artistic processes, compositional changes, and material characteristics that may not be visible to the naked eye. Interpreting these images, however, requires an understanding of both the technologies involved and the material evidence they reveal.
Organized by the DIVIDI Foundation, this two-day workshop brings together specialists in paintings conservation, technical imaging, and art historical research. Through expert presentations, case studies, demonstrations, and hands-on experience, participants will develop a more informed approach to acquiring, reading, and interpreting infrared and spectral imaging data.
MEET THE SPEAKERS
Petria Noble — Former Head of Paintings Conservation, Rijksmuseum
René Gerritsen — Art and Research Photographer
Francesca Gabrieli — Research Scientist specialised in Imaging, Rijksmuseum
Eva Direito — Cultural Heritage Conservation and Imaging Specialist, OPUS Instruments
Gwendolyn Boeve-Jones — Founder and Chief Conservator, Studio Redivivus
Mariana Escamilla-Martínez — Manager Conservator, Studio Redivivus
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The workshop is intended primarily for art historians, curators, researchers, and students, while also welcoming conservators and other cultural heritage professionals interested in technical imaging.
No previous experience with infrared reflectography is required.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Understanding the Technology
Explore the principles of infrared reflectography, its differences from infrared photography, and the technical decisions that influence image quality. Expert demonstrations will introduce the process of image acquisition, its practical challenges, and the possibilities and limitations of the technology.
Developing an Informed Eye
Learn to recognize and interpret underdrawings, compositional changes, material characteristics, and traces of previous restorations. Drawing on conservation case studies, participants will consider how to distinguish evidence of an artist's working process from later interventions, and how to approach infrared images critically rather than taking their appearance at face value.
IRR in Art Historical Research
Examine how infrared imaging contributes to the technical and art historical study of paintings. Through research examples, including works by Rembrandt, participants will explore how technical findings can inform our understanding of artistic practice, the development of a composition, and the conservation history of an artwork.
Beyond IRR: False-Color and Spectral Imaging
Discover how false-color images derived from reflectance imaging spectroscopy (RIS) can provide complementary information about paintings, with examples including The Night Watch. This session will introduce the distinctions between conventional IRR, multispectral imaging, and hyperspectral imaging, and consider how these techniques contribute to the investigation of artists' materials and working methods.
Putting Theory into Practice
Guided hands-on sessions will give participants the opportunity to work with infrared imaging equipment and practice interpreting technical images, applying the principles and approaches introduced throughout the workshop.
REGISTRATION & TICKETS
- Limited tickets are available for the full two-day workshop or for individual workshop days.
- Full two-day workshop: €680 excl. 21% VAT (except for VAT number holders within the European Union).
- Single-day tickets are also available. Please select your preferred option in the registration form.
- To register, please complete the REGISTRATION FORM
- Tickets include workshop materials, lunch and refreshments for the day(s) attended.
For more information or other inquiries, please write a message to [email protected]
TERMS & CONDITIONS
- In case of cancellation of the event, tickets will be refunded in full.
- If the event is rescheduled, your ticket will still be valid for the next event day, or if you prefer, the ticket will be refunded.
- Tickets are in general non-refundable once booked. Ticket ownership can be transferred to a different name upon previous communication with our team.
PREVIOUS EVENTS
Observing Cleaning on Paintings
With Chris Stavroudis
September 27–30, 2022