3D SCANNING FOR COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MANUFACTURE AND DETERIORATION TRACKING: A CASE STUDY OF THE 18TH CENTURY WAX VENUS DE' MEDICI

In recent years, 3D digital technologies have proven to be essential tools for professionals in the field of conservation and restoration of cultural heritage. This research presents the potential offered by structured light 3D scanners and the geometry analysis strategies carried out for the comparative study between the plaster Venus de' Medici of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando (Madrid) and the Anatomical Venus in wax of the Royal College of Surgery of San Carlos (Madrid), as well as the monitoring of the state of conservation. Using high-precision, high-resolution 3D morphology, the results obtained have been highly satisfactory, as it has made it possible to find the dimensional differences to the millimetre, offering a better understanding of the construction technique and the state of conservation in order to detect the evolution of the damage and to be able to act quickly.