Digital preservation and virtual 3D reconstruction of "The Baker's house" in the archaeological site of Torreparedones (Baena, Cordoba-Spain)

Abstract Over the years, the methodologies used for graphic representation in archaeology have evolved. The substantial change in representation was achieved with the use of computer software. Currently, 3D sketch scanning and photogrammetry are predominating tools used in this field. A new methodology, i.e., the use of the historical-archaeological evidence level scale, has entered this discipline to show the veracity of archaeological studies, as well as that of the vestiges found. The present study is focused on the virtual reconstruction of the ‘Baker’s House’ in the archaeological site of Torreparedones (Córdoba, Spain). The main aim of this study was to show and identify the veracity of the obtained reconstruction, through the use of the historical-archaeological evidence scale and the elaboration of a typological rank. The methodology used shows the evidence level employed by experts in the creation of virtual representations. The dissemination of the proposed historical-archaeological evidence scale entails the graphical identification of the veracity of reconstructions in this type of representations, always complying with the scientific quality criteria established by the Seville Letter. 

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Graphic representation of the degree of historical-archaeological evidence: the 3D reconstruction of the “Baker’s House”

Raman spectroscopy is a well-recognised tool for the analysis of materials in canvas paintings. However, it can be difficult to interpret the peaks of the spectra without the additional context of the artwork such as the age, provenance, or colour. Reflectance spectrophotometry can be used to capture the colour of pigments, dyes, and lacquers, but is seldom used to complement Raman data. Additionally, reflectance spectrophotometry results can be influenced by the surface profile of the painting. To overcome these limitations, this work brings together three different analysis modalities to provide a singular, analytical map of the artwork. Raman spectroscopy was used to conduct the chemical identification of pigments, binding media, and varnish present in a synthetic painting sample. Reflectance spectrophotometry was applied to obtain colour information of the surface paint of the sample. Three-dimensional optical profilometry data was used to characterise the micro topology of the paint surface. These three data sets were spatially matched allowing the recorded spectroscopic data to be displayed with the corresponding colour and surface topography across the paint surface.

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Canvas Painting Analysis Using Spectroscopic Analysis and Microcharacterisation Techniques

La digitalización mediante escáner de luz estructurada ha demostrado su utilidad para la conservación-restauración de colecciones de modelos anatómicos didácticos. No obstante, existen múltiples circunstancias en las que las tareas de escaneo se ven seriamente dificultadas o dan lugar a resultados poco satisfactorios. El objetivo de este trabajo fue diseñar nuevas estrategias para lograr una correcta digitalización en algunas de estas situaciones. Para registrar áreas ocultas o inaccesibles de una escultura se ha ensayado un método de escaneo basado en el uso de espejos. También se propone un procedimiento de escaneo a través de cristal para artefactos que no resulta recomendable extraer de la vitrina de exposición. Finalmente, para figuras excesivamente brillantes se ha analizado la utilidad de una nueva función de escaneado usando fotografías polarizadas. A la vista de los resultados obtenidos, los métodos analizados podrían considerarse una opción válida para la digitalización de este tipo de figuras.

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Estrategias innovadoras mediante escáner de luz estructurada para la digitalización en situaciones complejas de modelos anatómicos didácticos

Abstract Stone is a characteristic element in the construction of buildings and monuments in the Middle Ages in Spain. This is so mainly due to its durability and, in baptismal fonts, specifically, its symbolism: Jesus Christ is the cornerstone, he comes to save us and is the foundation of the life of the Christian and of the Universal Church. The application of virtual 3D reconstruction is essential in the conservation of this type of heritage, together with scientific techniques and methods, and the analysis of historical-graphic documentation. Focusing on these three aspects, the baptismal font of the church of Santiago Apóstol de Montilla will be taken as a reference. The baptismal font of the church of Santiago Apóstol in Montilla (Córdoba, Spain), whose exact origin is unknown, is one of the most important heritage assets. San Francisco Solano, known as the “Thaumaturge of the New World”, was baptised in it. For over four centuries, the temple has been the Main Church of the head of the Marquisate of Priego. This study aims to know, document and carry out a digital reconstruction of an important piece of the monumental heritage of the Catholic Church: the baptismal font of the church of Santiago Apóstol in Montilla. To this end, we searched a major literature review focused on the use of photogrammetry for reading old graphics and deciphering texts. After that we analysed the graphic documentation derived from the restoration process conducted by Cordovan restorer Vázquez Arjona in the late twentieth century. The application of 3D digitisation and documentation techniques has allowed not only to analyse this important heritage element in detail through a virtual reconstruction, but also to make a far-reaching discovery regarding one of its elements, the unknown inserted inscription in the baptismal font band. 

/pdf/historical-graphical-analysis-and-digital-preservation-of-2n354d8d.pdf

Historical-graphical analysis and digital preservation of cultural heritage: case study of the baptismal font of the church of Santiago Apóstol in Montilla (Córdoba, Spain)

Technological advancements have a great impact on the dissemination and understanding of the cultural heritage reality due to innovative techniques. These innovations are based on high-precision and high-resolution technologies that allow for the geometric documentation of any object within the fields of history and the arts. Through these techniques, new proposals may be studied and objects can be placed in any historical context. Three-dimensional (3D) digitization allows one to obtain a digital 3D model, which can be handled virtually and recreated at any historical period, enabling the conservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage. Society currently demands new visualization techniques that allow interacting with architectural and artistic heritage, which have been applied in numerous virtual reconstructions of historical sites or singular archaeological pieces. This project allowed us to geometrically document a reused piece with two surfaces (shield and columns) and a plaque of the city of Merida using a structured light scanner from a theoretical-practical perspective. The 3D virtual reconstruction of the pieces was accomplished within this study. The generation of QR codes enabled the interactive display of the heritage pieces. Likewise, a proposal was made to reuse the aforementioned pieces through virtual archaeology. The initial hypothesis is based on the possible existence of a Visigothic niche as an original form. This research reports significant advances in the conservation and exploitation of cultural heritage.

Samuel López-Lago

Papers

Digitalization and 3D Documentation Techniques Applied to Two Pieces of Visigothic Sculptural Heritage in Merida Through Structured Light Scanning