Fine Art Scanning

Our Metis DRS 2020 can capture artwork up to 47 × 79 inches in a single contactless pass. For larger works, our Scan Merge system stitches multiple passes into one seamless, perfectly registered file with no visible seams or resolution loss.

In most cases, no. The Metis DRS 2020's lighting controls allow us to scan framed artwork through glass. However, unframed works are preferred where practical, as they allow more lighting flexibility. We can advise during your consultation.

For reproduction prints at original size, we typically scan at 300-600 PPI. For prints that will be significantly enlarged, or where fine surface texture matters, we scan at higher resolutions up to 1600 PPI. We'll recommend the right resolution for your specific project during consultation.

Standard delivery is a full-resolution TIFF file in a wide-gamut RGB color space, at 24–48-bit depth. We can also deliver in other formats and color modes— JPEG, PDF, CMYK TIFF, or web-optimized files — upon request.

Most scanning projects are completed and ready for review within 1–3 business days. Rush and same-day service can often be arranged for time-sensitive projects.

Contact us with your deadline and we'll let you know what's possible.

Yes. The Metis DRS 2020 is a completely contactless scanner with UV-free and IR-free LED lighting — it poses no physical or photosensitive risk to the artwork.

Works that are fragile, fading, or actively deteriorating can be scanned safely. We recommend discussing the condition of the work during consultation so we can plan accordingly.

Yes. Works that exceed our single-pass bed size can be captured in multiple passes and automatically merged into a single seamless, full-resolution file. We have experience with large-scale canvases, panoramic photographs, and mural-scale works. Contact us with the dimensions of your work for a consultation.

We scan photographic prints and works on photographic paper on our Metis DRS 2020. For film scanning — negatives, slides, and transparencies — we work with our partner Drum Scanning NYC, who offer the highest available quality for film formats.

Yes. We accept shipped artwork and can help arrange transport through professional art handlers or with a padded masterpack for smaller works. Contact us before shipping so we can coordinate receipt and track all incoming pieces.

Unfortunately there is no commercial insurance available without appraisals of artwork. We handle works with great care as if they are our own. For high value pieces the onus is on the client to provide any needed coverage. Supervised scanning for valuable pieces can be arranged so works do not have to be left in the studio and a representative can remain present.

Professional artwork scanning uses a controlled, calibrated light source moving in precise registration across the surface of the artwork, producing a mathematically accurate, color-managed file and can provide information about depth, gloss and texture.

Camera-based capture — even with professional equipment — introduces variables in lighting uniformity, lens distortion, and color consistency that are more difficult to control. For large reproductions the resolution of a scanner cannot be matched with photography. For fine art reproduction and archival documentation, scanning generally produces superior results, particularly for textured or materially complex works.

Read more about this in our article Scanning vs Photography for Artwork Reproduction