Growing up, we learned of Raphael’s famous Italian painter and have always wondered how his amazing work was accomplished. For the first time using 3D laser scanning, his tapestry cartoons for the Sistine Chapel have been photographed. This allows researchers to observe each paint stroke to get some insight into the process he used to create the historical pieces.
There are many tremendous advantages of using 3D laser scanning instead of other methods of capturing historical pieces. Each piece had to be lowered off the wall, their home, for the last 150 years. This task was commissioned by Prince Albert, who adores Rapheal and has over 5,000 reproductions of his work.
This project took over five weeks to do because each cartoon has to be handled with care. Glass frames had to be moved, checks had to be done before and after every scan ensuring the art pieces’ safety. The recording was done slowly and precisely to care for the parts correctly.
You can now see the pictures more apparent than ever before. You can see each individual color painted and even guess where he may have gotten the colors to work with. The lighting is better in the scans, and you can truly observe the brilliance behind the art.
3D laser scanning is the best for historical pieces
This technology is one of the most cutting-edge technologies and has many advantages among museums, researchers, and historians. 3D laser scanning has changed the way we study historical objects from around the world. Here are some of the best benefits of this tool.
Noninvasive and protective
One of the best benefits of using this tool throughout the historical world is that it has proved noninvasive. Instead of handling the objects and risking destroying them, this uses photos and lasers to capture data points on an object.
It takes thousands of photos per minute, capturing every detail without physically touching anything. There are no molds or casts that have to be taken, and the lasers pick up every detail the photographs don’t.
Virtual models with precision
Since the 3D laser scanning device picks up virtual cloud points and focuses on the entire object, it collects precision. This helps editors enhance the CAD system item; there is less guesswork when making a model. This creates a more effective and precise virtual model to study from.
Can help restore pieces
Many of the old artifacts and paintings we like to study are incredibly old. They need proper care, and sometimes they even need restoration to be done. This can be a super tedious task that could end up hurting the paintings more. The coolest thing about 3D laser scanning is that when paired with 3D printing, you can get an almost exact replica of whatever you scanned. If you need only one piece to be fixed, it can help with that too.
Final thoughts
3D laser scanning is one of the best tools for historical sites and artwork. It can help restore them or shed new information that we have never seen before. Right now is the perfect time to help out projects that have been put on the back burner or need special care.