Värvusrekonstruktsioonindeksi

Värvusrekonstruktsioonindeks, often abbreviated as VRI, is a tool used in art conservation and restoration to assess the original color of a painting. Developed by the Getty Conservation Institute, the VRI is based on the principle that the original color of a painting can be inferred from the colors used by the artist and the pigments available during the artist's time.

The index is organized into three main sections: the pigment index, the color index, and the color chart. The pigment index lists the pigments known to have been used during different historical periods, along with their typical colors. The color index provides a range of colors that can be expected from a given pigment, taking into account factors such as the artist's technique and the specific conditions under which the painting was created. The color chart offers a visual representation of these colors, allowing conservators to compare the current state of a painting with its expected original appearance.

The VRI is used to guide the restoration process, helping conservators to make informed decisions about which colors to use when repairing or retouching a painting. By providing a scientific basis for color judgment, the VRI helps to preserve the artistic integrity of a painting while also ensuring that its original appearance is accurately represented.

The VRI is not a definitive guide to the original colors of a painting, but rather a tool to be used in conjunction with other methods of analysis, such as scientific examination and historical research. It is an important resource for art conservators, providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about the care and preservation of paintings.