The 12 prophets dataset

TL;DR

This paper presents the 3D digitization of Aleijadinho's sculptures and churches in Brazil, enabling detailed virtual exploration and preservation of cultural heritage through advanced non-invasive scanning technology.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive 3D digitization project of Aleijadinho's artworks using non-invasive scanning, and provides an accessible web portal for cultural dissemination.

Findings

Successfully digitized key sculptures and churches in Ouro Preto and Congonhas do Campo.

Developed a non-invasive, efficient 3D acquisition process with Leica Geosystems equipment.

Created an online platform for detailed virtual interaction with the artworks.

Abstract

The "Ajeijadinho 3D" project is an initiative supported by the University of S\~ao Paulo (Museum of Science and Dean of Culture and Extension), which involves the 3D digitization of art works of Brazilian sculptor Antonio Francisco Lisboa, better known as Aleijadinho. The project made use of advanced acquisition and processing of 3D meshes for preservation and dissemination of the cultural heritage. The dissemination occurs through a Web portal, so that the population has the opportunity to meet the art works in detail using 3D visualization and interaction. The portal address is http://www.aleijadinho3d.icmc.usp.br. The 3D acquisitions were conducted over a week at the end of July 2013 in the cities of Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil and Congonhas do Campo, MG, Brazil. The scanning was done with a special equipment supplied by company Leica Geosystems, which allowed the work to take place at distances between 10 and 30 meters, defining a non-invasive procedure, simplified logistics, and without the need for preparation or isolation of the sites. In Ouro Preto, we digitized the churches of Francisco of Assis, Our Lady of Carmo, and Our Lady of Mercy; in Congonhas do Campo we scanned the entire Sanctuary of Bom Jesus de Matosinhos and his 12 prophets. Once scanned, the art works went through a long process of preparation, which required careful handling of meshes done by experts from the University of S\~ao Paulo in partnership with company Imprimate.