Assorted paintings on a red wall.

One of the most prominent aspects of our experience when appreciating a work of art has evolved dramatically over time: artificial lighting. Have you ever stopped to think about how lighting affects our perception of a painting or sculpture in a museum or gallery?

It is common that when we visit an exhibition, we overlook the importance of good lighting. Today, we take it for granted that we will be able to admire any work of art with clarity and detail, regardless of the time of day, time of year or outside weather conditions.

However, it is worth remembering that many works of art were not created to be viewed under the latest artificial lighting technologies. At the time, they were viewed with indirect natural light from nearby windows or skylights, with the nuances that this light acquired throughout the day. At night, they were illuminated with oil lamps or candles, keeping them at a safe distance to avoid damage.

Today, we enjoy the privilege of being able to appreciate art with a variety of lighting systems designed specifically to enhance the artwork. With the most advanced LED technology, we can select the ideal color temperature for each piece, adjusting the warm, neutral or cool tone according to the material, color and finish. In addition, we can completely eliminate non-visible light frequencies, which are the most harmful to the conservation of the works.

We no longer have to worry about the risks that natural light poses to works of art. We can completely eliminate infrared radiation, which produces heat, as well as ultraviolet radiation, which degrades organic materials such as paper, textile fibers and photography.

If you have any doubts about the best lighting for a work of art, do not hesitate to contact us at SIT. We have the most advanced and safe systems to meet any lighting need and ensure that each work is seen in its maximum splendor.