A FLEXIBLE WORKFLOW FOR MULTIMODAL 3D IMAGING OF VAULTED PAINTED CEILINGS IN HIGH DETAIL

Abstract

3D imaging is an increasingly common tool for the investigation of cultural heritage. Painted ceilings offer particular challenges as the art historical requirements necessitate highly detailed and accurate capture of colour textures with sub-millimetre resolution, even of large areas of 100s of square metres, situated in a wide variety of building environments. Geometrical information is also required to represent fully the three-dimensional nature of these sculpted and vaulted ceilings, again at the resolution necessary for both documentation and use by cultural heritage professionals including conservators, restorers, building researchers, architects and art historians. This paper describes a multi-modal campaign of 3D digitisation of three very different sites undertaken as part of the Franco-German Plafond 3D project. We introduce a flexible and adaptable methodology that allows the detailed imaging of large interiors and ceiling paintings in a short period of time and with varying levels of access.