Computer Vision in 3D Modeling of Cultural Heritage: the Riace Bronzes

The Riace Bronzes, called also Riace Warriors, are hosted in Reggio Calabria, at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale della Magna Grecia. The two statues are full-size bronzes cast about 5th century BC and were discovered in the coast of Riace (RC) in 1972. They represent one of the most important sculptural masterworks of the Greek art in the world, for their outstanding manufacture. In addition to their extraordinary realism, the Bronzes are very important symbols of their hosting city. Over the years, many studies carried out both in historic area and in scientific field, aimed at implementing technical improvements for their maintenance and restoration. This paper describes the methodology for the realization of a 3D model of the two sculptures lead by the Geomatics Laboratory of the DICEAM of the Università Mediterranea of Reggio Calabria. The 3D modeling uses imaging techniques, as digital photogrammetry and computer vision. The digital pictures obtained, with the authorization of the Ministry of Heritage, Culture and Tourism and of the Museo Archeologico Nazionale della Magna Grecia, have been then elaborated through the commercial software Agisoft PhotoScan and the technique of Structure from Motion (SfM). It was not possible to get permission to use the Laser Scanner. The results achieved denote the effectiveness of the technique used in the cultural heritage field, an acceptable alternative in relation to more expensive and demanding techniques as laser scanning, even comparing with the results of thermal cameras.