3-D optical measurements in the field of cultural heritage: the case of the Vittoria Alata of Brescia

Abstract—In this paper, we give an insight on how innovative
techniques of optical three-dimensional (3-D) measurement can be
helpful in the domain of the study, conservation, restoration, and
presentation of artworks. In particular, we present the results of
the 3-D acquisition of the “Vittoria Alata,” the statue symbol of
our City, using an optical whole-field profilometer developed in our
laboratory. The study, originally motivated by the need to explore
a new hypothesis for the origin of the statue, led to its complete digitization,
with a global error of 0.5 mm, as well as to the description
of the statue in terms of both polygonal and CAD models. Moreover,
it helped the archaeologists to prove the new hypothesis of an
alternative origin of the artwork and proved the tremendous benefits
of the technique in the realms of conservation, virtual museums,
generation of replicas, and in general preservation of cultural heritage