Laser imaging could offer early detection for at-risk artwork. Duke Today, April 29, 2024. A bright yellow pigment favored a century ago by Impressionists such as Matisse and Van Gogh is losing its luster. Researchers at Duke University have developed a laser imaging technique that can detect the first tiny signs of the pigment’s breakdown before they’re visible to the eye. The work could help art conservators take earlier steps to make the color last.