AN EXPERIMENTAL WORKFLOW FOR THE VIRTUAL RECONSTRUCTION OF ANCIENT STATUES

Abstract

The work aims to investigate the main steps of a virtual reconstruction process of ancient statues, inspecting theoretical and technical approaches. Two fragmentary Roman statues from the "Sanctuary of Isis", inside the Archaeological Park of Lilibeo-Marsala (Italy), were chosen as a case study. Trying to preserve the original artwork authenticity and the transparency of the reconstruction method, a workflow was developed following three steps: 1) 3D survey and reality based model production; 2) evaluation of reconstruction hypotheses based on a rigorous selection of reference sources; 3) 3D modelling and source-based model creation. Three models for multiple visualization purposes were carried out: a high-resolution reality-based model for documentation and detailed specialist analyses, a real-integrated model for scientific purposes in which it is possible to visually distinguish the surviving fragments from the modelled ones through a partial texture and an ideal model useful for dissemination aims with a uniform texture that simulates hypothetical original state of the sculptures.