An Alternative Methodology of Light Source Spectral Distribution Selection for Use in Museums
Abstract
An alternative methodology to select light source spectral distribution for use in Museums is presented. It is based in obtaining the Representative Spectral Reflectance Curve for each artwork and then lighting it with a light source which spectral power distribution is coincident in shape with the object´s RSRC. This should cause minimum damage due to radiation on the object, given that object deterioration due to radiation is an effect of absorbed energy. In order to evaluate presentation quality, colour differences were calculated for three primal colours present in an artwork sample, illuminated under Illuminants D65 and under a simulated illuminant which spectral power distribution matches the RSRC of the object. Also, colour differences were calculated between the same colours under D65 and under a CIE standard illuminant previously selected as having the closest spectral power distribution to the RSRC. Results are in general lower than 3, within the limit for strict tolerance in normal colour rendering.