The pictorial technique in Ceruti’s paintings: a holistic study based on multiband imaging diagnostics and written sources review

Giacomo Ceruti (1698–1767), based on a statistically significant corpus of twenty-four paintings spanning his entire career. Following a holistic approach, the research integrates technical data from full-field multi-band imaging investigations in the VIS, NIR, and SWIR range with information derived from historical records and bibliographical sources, as well as unpublished restoration reports, the latter representing a novel contribution to this study. The multi-band imaging protocol allows the results to be presented according to the stratigraphy of the paintings. Combination of imaging diagnostics with art-historical methodology provides new insights into Ceruti’s working practice, including last-minute support integrations, canvas preparation, preliminary sketchy outlines defining the poses, rapid paint handling, brush wiping marks, and minor pentimenti of aesthetic relevance. In addition, the analyses document the early adoption of Prussian blue. This integrated methodological approach enables a unified reconstruction of Ceruti’s painting practice and underscores the potential of systematic imaging campaigns conducted within the framework of monographic exhibitions.