Digital Imaging Techniques in Archaeometry: The Case of an Ancient Crucifixion Icon

An ancient Crucifixion icon has been studied using imaging techniques integrated with appropriated visualizations. Relevant parameters and suitable algorithms have been selected in a proper sequence to segment the studied images into meaningful elements functional to the attribution of the icon through analysis of the employed materials and techniques. The cross-referencing of the results allowed to identify three main phases in the realization of the painting, to describe their extension, character and determine the possible authors as: Cretan/Ionian painters, '500-' 600 (1st phase); Hristofor Zefarovic, Western Balkans or Vienna, 1730-1753 (2nd phase); Placido Fabris / Michelangelo Barbini, Venice, mid 19th c. (3rd phase).