L’impiego della Computer Vision nella ricostruzione 3D dei beni culturali: i Bronzi di Riace

The Riace Bronzes are two full-size bronzes cast about V century BC, located at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale della Magna Grecia in Reggio Calabria. Since their discovery in the coast of Riace Marina (RC) in 1972, they represent one of the most significant sculptural masterpieces of the Greek art in the world, thanks to their outstanding manufacture. Besides being noted for their extraordinary reality, the Bronzes have become one of the most important symbols of their hosting city. Over the years a lot of studies have being done both in historic area and 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 Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria. The 3D modeling is based on the use of imaging techniques, as digital photogrammetry and computer vision. The digital pictures obtained, with the authorization of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism and of the Museo Archeologico Nazionale della Magna Grecia, have been then elaborated through the commercial software Agisoft PhotoScan. 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.