Thanks to the neu_ART research project, co-financed by the Region of Piedmont, a partnership has been established with the University of Turin physics department and the Turin section of the National Institute for Nuclear Physics, meaning the Centro is now equipped with new radio-tomography equipment capable of producing digital and computerised radiographic images of large works (up to 2 metres with the CT technique).
Using the computerised tomography equipment installed at the Scientific Laboratories, the Centro had the privilege of working on the wooden crucifix by Donatello kept at the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi in Padua. The scan allowed for an unprecedented investigation of both the sculpted wooden part and the moulded polychrome part.
The tomographic analyses on the crucifix are presented at the exhibition entitled “Uomo Virtuale. Corpo, Mente, Cyborg” [Mastio della Cittadella, Turin | From 4 May to 13 October 2019]
More information about the restoration is available here
The potential of the computerised tomography apparatus can be easily understood when the subjects scanned are truly imposing furnishings, like the cabinet desk by Pietro Piffetti, from Palazzo Chiablese. The Centro has performed innumerable CT scans on famous works of the court cabinet-makers, which have permitted in-depth studies on the evolution of the technique.
Watch the video here
The CT technique also proved fundamental in the study of a number of coffins at the Turin Egyptian Museum, in particular for the structural investigations on the artefacts and for its contribution to the studies on the reuse of these artefacts.
Working with the Vatican Museums on the study and restoration of the coffins kept at the Museo Egizio, the Centro became a partner in the international research project entitled the “Vatican Coffin Project”.