Explore 3D models of Met masterpieces

"More than 100 art works have been scanned in ultra-high resolution with portable laser scanners that could image objects that are unmoveable and could not be scanned by traditional machines. That data combined with photogrammetry techniques that puzzle together thousands of photographs to create a photorealistic composite."

"The Temple of Dendur, for example, is huge. The walls are 21 feet high and the gate is 26.5 feet high. If you wanted to see the carved lotus blossoms on the column capitals or the reliefs of the king making offerings to the gods, you'd need a jetpack. Now you can examine it from the comfort of your couch."

"All the newly produced scans are presented with precise color accuracy and exceptionally high fidelity and can be explored on The Met's website, where viewers can zoom in, rotate, and examine each model, bringing unprecedented access to significant works of art. The 3D models can also be explored in viewers' own spaces through augmented reality (AR) on most smartphone and VR headsets."

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has scanned more than 100 artworks from its collection using portable laser scanners and photogrammetry techniques to create ultra-high resolution 3D digital models. These works span different sizes, ages, geographic origins, and media, unified by their complexity and fine detail. The Temple of Dendur exemplifies how the technology reveals intricate features like carved lotus blossoms and relief carvings that are inaccessible to visitors viewing the physical objects. The 3D models feature precise color accuracy and exceptional fidelity, accessible on The Met's website where viewers can zoom, rotate, and examine each piece. These models are also available through augmented reality on smartphones and VR headsets. Most models are free to download under The Met's Open Access program and CC0 license, with the project ongoing and additional models being added continuously.

Read at www.thehistoryblog.com