Campagna fotografica di qualità

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In order to complete the documentation of the conditions of the frescoes it was decided to carry out a photographic survey during the course of the restoration that would ensure a high degree of chromatic fidelity and total coverage of the frescoed scenes. The digital elaboration of these images will provide an important tool for analyses and for planning because of its capacity to examine the smallest details as well as the complete fresco cycle which, because of the scaffolding, will not be completely visible until the restoration is finished.

The photographic survey was carried out after the cleaning phase so as to document the chromatic conditions of the orginal frescoes.

The focal point of the lens, the size of the negative, the distance of each shot and the geometric resolution for scanner acquisition were all calculated to allow for sufficient detail in the digital images which was established, in scale with the fresco, as about one millimeter per pixel.

The geometric correction of the perspective in the single photographs was performed using the RealView program: the already acquired photogrammetric survey served as the metric base from which the points of reference necessary for restitution were obtained.This work enables the viewer to examine both in detail and in overall perspective the chromatic conditions of the original fresco before repainting o the addition of protective substances. The recomposition of the photographs taken after the cleaning phase has thus made it possible to see Piero's work in a way that it has never been seen before and, given the visual obstacle of the scaffolding, that would have been impossible to achieve with traditional photographic techniques.

Moreover, the photographic mosaic created by this process constitutes an important support system for the development of realistic simulations which make it possible, before undertaking new restorations of the original frescoes, to conduct a visual test of alternative methods of pictorial reconstruction.

The computer work station, installed on the scaffolding at the work site, thus performs the double role of databank and working tool in support of the ongoing restoration.