The Digital Michelangelo Project: creating a 3D archive of his sculptures using laser scanning
Abstract/Contents
- Abstract
Recent improvements in laser rangefinder technology, together with algorithms developed at Stanford for combining multiple range and color images, allow us to reliably and accurately digitize the external shape and reflectance of many physical objects.
As an application of this technology, we have embarked on a multi-year project to create a high-quality 3D computer archive of the sculptures and architecture of Michelangelo. As of this writing, we have scanned the David, the Unfinished Slaves, and the St. Matthew, all located in the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence. In the coming weeks we will scan the statues and architecture of Michelangelo's Medici Chapel, also in Florence.
The goals of this project are scholarly and educational. Our sponsors are Stanford University, Interval Research Corporation, and the Paul G. Allen Foundation for the Arts. In this talk, I will outline the motivations, technical challenges, and possible outcomes of this project.
Description
| Type of resource | text |
|---|---|
| Date created | March 16, 1999 |
Creators/Contributors
| Author | Levoy, Marc |
|---|
Subjects
| Subject | 3D scanning |
|---|---|
| Subject | Sculpture |
| Subject | Michelangelo |
| Subject | David (sculpture) |
| Subject | Marc Levoy |
| Subject | Digital Michelangelo Project |
| Subject | Stanford Graphics Lab |
| Genre | Article |
Bibliographic information
| Related item |
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|---|---|
| Location | https://purl.stanford.edu/mj447tx0334 |
Access conditions
- Use and reproduction
- User agrees that, where applicable, content will not be used to identify or to otherwise infringe the privacy or confidentiality rights of individuals. Content distributed via the Stanford Digital Repository may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor.
Preferred citation
- Preferred Citation
Recent improvements in laser rangefinder technology, together with algorithms developed at Stanford for combining multiple range and color images, allow us to reliably and accurately digitize the external shape and reflectance of many physical objects.
As an application of this technology, we have embarked on a multi-year project to create a high-quality 3D computer archive of the sculptures and architecture of Michelangelo. As of this writing, we have scanned the David, the Unfinished Slaves, and the St. Matthew, all located in the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence. In the coming weeks we will scan the statues and architecture of Michelangelo's Medici Chapel, also in Florence.
The goals of this project are scholarly and educational. Our sponsors are Stanford University, Interval Research Corporation, and the Paul G. Allen Foundation for the Arts. In this talk, I will outline the motivations, technical challenges, and possible outcomes of this project.
Collection
Marc Levoy Papers
Contact information
- Contact
- universityarchives@stanford.edu
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