Tomography to support restoration
Industrial tomography is an advanced imaging technology increasingly used in the cultural heritage sector to study and preserve historical works of art and artefacts. Originally developed for industrial purposes, such as inspecting materials and components, this technique relies on the use of X-rays to obtain detailed three-dimensional images of the interior of an object without having to alter or damage it.
In the cultural heritage context, tomography is particularly useful for analysing sculptures, archaeological finds, paintings and other ancient artefacts. It allows us to study and examine the internal structural characteristics of a work of art, such as in this case, the casting techniques in bronze sculptures, the layering of materials or the possible presence of hidden cracks or defects.
Thanks to the collaboration with the Brescia Musei Foundation, Gilardoni has performed non-invasive diagnostic investigations on the head-portrait MR 353, identified as the emperor Marcus Aurelius Probo. This project sees us as the technical sponsor of the operation. Through the analyses carried out it was possible to analyse in detail the casting techniques used to realize the work, thus providing valuable information to guide restoration interventions.
The two heads that were analysed were found during archaeological excavations at the beginning of the 19th century, promoted by the University of Arts and Letters in Brescia. Here were found about 300 bronze finds, originally part of the decoration of the temple and its large halls. Among these, the famous statue of Vittoria Alata, dating from the first century AD.
The images obtained represent a fundamental support for the restorers, who will be able to shed light on unpublished details of this extraordinary sculpture, contributing to its conservation and enhancement.
This collaboration between experts in advanced technologies and cultural heritage professionals demonstrates how science can play a decisive role in the protection and enhancement of our artistic past.