Abstract
This paper proposes the integration of photogrammetric
reconstruction, 3D modelling and augmented reality application in order
to achieve the complete visualization of a stone sculpture even if
highly damaged or fragmentary. The first part of the research aims to
the reconstruction of the original aspect of an incomplete sculpture, by
using photogrammetry techniques based on standard resolution photos and
free software in order to obtain a first model; then, we integrate this
model with other 3D digital data (from other sculptures of the same
period) or with 3D modelling based on historical sources and views from
historians, aiming to achieve the original aspect of the sculpture. The
second part of the research consists of the embedding of the obtained
model in a custom application able to render in real-time the 3D
reconstruction of the lion. Then, the rendering is overlaid to the video
stream of the real scene and, as a result, a complete 3D digital model
of the sculpture is achieved and could be visualized through a VR
viewer. As a case study, we focus on a Roman stone sculpture of a male
lion conserved in the Museo Estense of Modena (Italy), which lacks of
its head and its four legs. The original aspect of the lion may be
achieved by integrating the damaged sculpture with other photogrammetric
reconstructions of lions sculptures of the same period and with 3D
model based on historical sources. Finally, the lion is visualized
through an augmented reality application which digitally overlays the
reconstructed models on the original one.