Museum of Casts of Classical Statues

Enlarge

Museum of Casts of Classical Statues

The collaboration between the Institute for Digital Cultural Heritage Studies and the Museum of Casts of Classical Statues (MfA) marks a significant leap forward in the preservation and study of classical art. Central to this initiative is creating digital twins of the museum's objects. By leveraging advanced technology, we ensure that these invaluable pieces of cultural heritage are meticulously documented for future generations.

Technology Employed

In our partnership with the MfA, we digitize the plaster casts using the Artec Leo structured light laser scanner, renowned for its precision and high-definition capabilities. This state-of-the-art scanner enabled us to generate 3D reconstructions of ancient Greek statue replicas between the 19th century and the present. We focused on replicas of the Laocoon sculpture groups in Munich, Bologna, and Venice, Italy.

Comparative Analysis of Sculpture Copies

A unique aspect of our project involved comparing various 20th-century copies of the Laocoon sculpture group. This comparison aimed to identify both differences and similarities between the copies, helping us determine whether they were derived from the same original matrix. This detailed examination has been pivotal in understanding each replica's nuances and historical lineage.

Detailed Model Analysis

One of the most significant outcomes of our collaboration has been the precise analysis of the 3D models. Although the comparative study is ongoing, early results have already provided profound insights. By scrutinizing the engravings and subtle differences between the statues, we can accurately trace the origin of each replica and the restoration work it has undergone. The high-definition meshes produced by the Artec LEO scanner allow us to observe intricate details often imperceptible to the naked eye. This new layer of information enriches the existing historical data available to researchers.

Expected Impact

We believe this partnership substantially advances classical statuary research, study, and interpretation. We aim to unravel the relationships between the various copies of these statues in Europe and their dissemination over the centuries. This study analyzes each artifact to reconstruct its origins, movements, and network, facilitating the spread of these copies over the past 100 years.

By creating these 3D models, we aim to digitize a significant portion of the Museum of Casts of Classical Statues collection. This digitization effort has preserved these artifacts digitally and served as an invaluable educational tool. Many students have participated in this project, gaining hands-on experience in digitizing Greek and Roman statues under the guidance of our researchers and professors. This initiative has effectively bridged the gap between teaching and research, offering students a practical introduction to field research methodologies at the start of their academic journeys.