Digital Image Processing Applied To Problems In Art And Archaeology

Many of the images encountered during scholarly studies in the fields of art and archaeology have deteriorated through the effects of time. The Ice-Age rock art of the now-closed caves near Lascaux are prime examples of this fate. However, faint and subtle details of these can be exceedingly important as some theories suggest that the designs are computers or calendars pertaining to astronomical cycles as well as seasons for hunting, gathering, and planting. Consequently, we have applied a range of standard image processing algorithms (viz., edge detection, spatial filtering, spectral differencing, and contrast enhancement) as well as specialized techniques (e.g., matched filters) to the clarification of these drawings. Also, we report the results of computer enhancement studies pertaining to authenticity, faint details, sitter identity, and age of portraits by da Vinci, Rembrandt, Rotari, and Titian.