Advances in digital imaging for fine art and cultural heritage

Digital imaging techniques have been applied to fine art and cultural heritage for decades. Due to continuing advances in technology and increases in funding, the application of digital imaging and digital reproduction to fine art and cultural heritage has recently exploded. To simplify the discussion of digital fine art, this paper will sub-divide digital imaging into five segments: digital image capture; archiving; conservation; restoration; and reproduction. The Hewlett-Packard Company, Cultural Heritage Imaging and the Rochester Institute of Technology have, each been major participants in this digital imaging explosion. The author is familiar with many of the activities of these three institutions. Taken together, their activities form a storyboard of where digital fine art maybe headed. By way of example, the results of specific projects will be discussed. Advances in digital image capture include hyperspectral imaging and reflection transformation imaging and their use at the Worcester Art Museum. A striking innovation in archiving and conservation is demonstrated by the Kyoto International Culture Foundation shrine art conservation project. The rejuvenation simulation of a Seurat painting and the physical restoration of the vault at the Santos Juanes Church demonstrate amazing progress in the field of digital restoration. Finally, the Grand Tour in London is a great illustration of how digital fine art reproduction can involve the public in their cultural heritage. A widespread bibliography is provided.