Picture-Perfect – The Perception and Applicability of Facsimiles in Museums

Abstract

Various types of digital and physical three-dimensional facsimile technologies (e.g., high-definition digital modelling and 3D printing) have entered the art world and have become increasingly important for research and presentation purposes. Yet, studies that go beyond the technical aspects of (3D) facsimile techniques, such as their significance for the conservation/restoration field and museum display, are scarce, especially in the case of easel paintings. Furthermore, studies that analyse the perception of these methods and, consequently, their impact on the authenticity of the original painting, do not exist to our knowledge. The aim of this research is twofold: firstly, it evaluates a viewer’s perception of various facsimiles; secondly, on the basis of this analysis, it aims to gain a better understanding and provide an overview of the applicability of (3D) facsimiles of artworks for presentation purposes and potential users (technical art historians, conservators, curators, material scientists and museum visitors). This research was executed by combining a literature review with quantitative and qualitative analyses of the data acquired through a) a questionnaire of 17 closed and open-ended questions and (b) an on-site session at the Mauritshuis museum (The Hague, The Netherlands). Based on analysis of the data collected through these activities, this paper attempts to provide an indication of the current attitude towards (3D) facsimile methods as well as to present some criteria of using these methods in a museum environment.

3D Printing and the Art World: Current Developments and Future Perspectives

“…In this way, 3D printing artworks could be considered useful for the CH field. Indeed, there are a growing number of studies on the perception of 3D-printed facsimiles confirming the significance of this technology in creating sustainable and durable bonds between the beholder and the object [8]. Although the interest in the authenticity of art and the unique object has not diminished, yet, because only one true material version of the artwork exists and should be conserved for as long as possible, a 3D print could be acceptable as long as it enhances the authentic value of the artwork and does not pretend to be the original.…”

“…By eliminating the need to make compromises as every material aspect of the artwork can be reproduced, 3D printing is important to the desire to keep in touch with the physical. At the same time, it can fulfill the need for a more multifaceted story of one artwork sustainably and durably [5][6][7][8][9].…”

“…3D printing the heads of the figurines of Laocoon and his sons (1540 CE) separately and at a larger scale, for the first time, it became possible to study their expressions, which are otherwise inaccessible due to the height of the statue (Figure 3). This way, 3D printing facilitates getting a better sense of the object's dynamics, shape, materials, and composition in space [8,13].…”

“…3 By enhancing a portrait's contours, 3D printing can be used to make the paintings more accessible to visually impaired visitors [32]. Simultaneously, the fact that artworks can be touched could make the experience of art in the museum not only more interesting for children and students, but also possibly more effective [8][9][10]. Furthermore, 3D-printed facsimiles can replace an original when it is absent because it cannot travel or because it is not available.…”

“…Although some techniques offer polychrome printing or the use of multiple inks, the production of realistic colors or surface effects is still hard as it requires extra finishing processes to give synthetic material the desired appearance. Particularly, in the case of CH and the reproduction of art, color printing and resolution are hurdles to overcome as accuracy, good quality, high resolution, and the right material feel are often a top priority for correctly curating narratives with these delicate artifacts [8]. However, it is worth noticing that larger companies such as Hewlett-Packard (HP) have taken on the challenge of developing new technologies to overcome these issues [49].…”