LO 05: 3D Computer Graphics

Galleria dell’Accademia – Daniele da Volterra bust 3D model

Exhibitions

https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/the-bronze-effigy-of-michelangelo-fb759e11a7ce470bac5e8e4fe70881c4 <- 3D MODELED BUST

When I was in Italy over the summer, I went to the Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze, where Michelangelo’s David’s is housed. After looking at David, there was a nearby room that showed a screen with a collection of 3D models made from real life historical sculptures, specifically busts of Michelangelo made by an unidentified artist. These 3D models were created by scanning the bust, and allowed for a greater degree of investigation of technique. On the walls there were many, many iterations of these models along with actual 3D printed busts themselves, and it was really interesting to see the way these digital images existed in the real world. Obviously, the meshes of these models were more complex than, say, stylized Pixar character models, and the detail that was able to be achieved was really interesting. Ultimately, this heightened ability to investigate the bust allowed for it to be attributed to Daniele da Volterra, made in the 16th century. I also find the gap of time between the creation of this piece and digital re-appropriation to be really fascinating, and it really made me think about how the people who would’ve been renowned clay sculptures back in the day likely would’ve made great character modelers within the 3D animated film & game industry (and vice versa).