The scientific study

The reconstructions we propose are result of a solid research work on aesthetics and color in ancient art. From precise and proper observations to the resulting intuitions, they are always confirmed by historical and iconographic consistency.

3D reconstruction become a clear witness of the study. But color is the most important part of work. Indeed we think that chromatic look was a fundamental part of the storytelling in the Greek world.

The result is amazing, but never self celebrating. It intends to show the original aspect of masterpieces as we think they should have looked. Anyway that’s a work in progress, a constantly updated study.

Color of the bronze statues

Many ancient statues have colored parts. We have examples of lips, nipples, teeth, and eyes.

This leads to the fact that they were not originally monochrome or greenish as we know them today. We rather think that chromatic difference was a part of the work.

Fortunately, chemical analysis of metals provides first clues. It has been found that a very light shade of bronze can be chemically darkened. A golden or coppery color, blond or fawn, can turn towards the human skin tone using eg. liver of sulfur in the affected areas. This allowed the artist to work on a natural and extremely realistic color palette.

Therefore we have sampled colors of true fusions with the exact percentages found in the statues. The result is a range of various and natural shades of bronze.

Reconstruction of missing parts

It is not easy to establish as close as possible how the original full aspect of masterpieces was.

First step is reading the signs. Because every detail is part of the storytelling. Literature and iconographic sources confirm the hypothese. Then 3D modeling of missing parts helps to restore original full works.

Therefore original elements of a corresponding age guarantee authenticity to the visual storytelling. Then, the application of color finalizes the work.