Modern methods are used for analysing the structure and constituent parts of paintings.
The National Gallery has its own Scientific and Conservation departments in which specialists are engaged in the technical analysis of paintings to find out how, and sometimes when, the works were made, and what can be done for them if they are in need of conservation or restoration. Many aspects of their work have been described in the National Gallery 'Technical Bulletin'.
The techniques they employ include Cross-Section, Infra-Red Reflectography and X-ray.