# Raking light

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{{Short description|Facet of art and illumination}}
[[File:Släpljus -Raking light - Ystad-2015.jpg|thumb|Raking light across a wall, gives a [relief](/source/relief) like impression.]]
thumb|Sunlight at a narrow angle, flowers in the window cast long shadows on an inner wall. 
'''Raking light''' is the illumination of objects from a [light source](/source/Light_source) at an [oblique angle](/source/Angle) or almost [parallel](/source/parallel_(geometry)) to the surface. This type of illumination provides information on the [surface topography](/source/Topography) and relief of the artefact thus lit. It is widely used in the examination of works of art.

==Examination of paintings==
Using raking light, the effects of [impasto](/source/impasto) and the surface texture of a [painting](/source/painting) are accentuated by the increased illumination of surfaces facing the light source and the exaggeration of [shadows](/source/shadows) on surfaces facing away from the light source.<ref name="NG">{{cite web |url=http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/glossary/raking-light |title=Glossary - raking light |publisher=[The National Gallery](/source/The_National_Gallery) |accessdate=8 March 2011}}</ref> In some instances, raking light may help reveal [pentimenti](/source/pentimenti) (changes in an artist's intention).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tate.org.uk/learn/online-resources/ophelia/conservation-ophelia/raking-light-and-relief |title=Raking light and relief |publisher=[Tate](/source/Tate) |accessdate=8 March 2011}}</ref> In the case of [wall paintings](/source/murals), raking light helps show preparatory techniques such as [incisions](/source/Fresco) in the plaster support.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.getty.edu/conservation/publications_resources/pdf_publications/pdf/wall_paintings.pdf |title=The Conservation of Wall Paintings |page=25 |publisher=[Getty Conservation Institute](/source/Getty_Conservation_Institute) |accessdate=8 March 2011}}</ref>

==Conservation==
[Conservators](/source/Conservation-restoration) examine objects under raking light during a [visual inspection](/source/visual_inspection) and for [condition recording](/source/condition_recording).<ref name="NG"/> In the examination of [easel paintings](/source/Easel), raking light may help document [craquelure](/source/craquelure), paint cupping, uneven [tension](/source/Tension_(physics)) in a [canvas](/source/canvas), or [warp](/source/Wood_warping) in a [panel](/source/Panel_painting).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www-hki.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/services/photo_lighting.html |title=Lighting techniques - raking light |publisher=[Hamilton Kerr Institute](/source/Hamilton_Kerr_Institute) |date=8 March 2011}}</ref> In the examination of [wall paintings](/source/Murals), raking light can help document surface deterioration phenomena such as the [efflorescence](/source/efflorescence) of [salts](/source/Salt_(chemistry)) and micro-[delamination](/source/delamination), and may be used for monitoring the effects of conservation interventions.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.getty.edu/conservation/publications_resources/pdf_publications/pdf/wall_paintings.pdf |title=The Conservation of Wall Paintings |pages=49, 145f |publisher=[Getty Conservation Institute](/source/Getty_Conservation_Institute) |accessdate=8 March 2011}}</ref>

==See also==
*[Conservation-restoration](/source/Conservation-restoration)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Commonscatinline|Raking light}}

Category:Imaging
Category:3D imaging
Category:Painting
Category:Conservation and restoration of cultural heritage

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