The sculpture of Roman Emperor Constantine - 42-feet-tall, was recreated from existing fragments and with the help of latest 3D scanning and modeling technologies. Positioned in the garden of Villa Caffarelli of Musei Capitolini in Rome, where it will continue to be displayed until 2025. Produced by the Madrid-based digital preservation nonprofit Factum Foundation, the statue was first exhibited at Fondazione Prada’s 2022 exhibition “Recycling Beauty.”
According to ancient sources, the original Colossus, was commissioned by the emperor Constantine between between 313 and 315 C.E. Apparently it was itself a “remake,” adapting a pre-existing pagan statue, and then placed in the Basilica of Maxentius. It commemorated the rule of emperor Constantine, marking his and the Roman Empire’s conversion from paganism to Christianity. Fragments were scanned using photogrammetry and a LiDAR scanner. Missing parts of the statue were modeled by 3D sculptor Irene Gaumé in consultation with experts and curators at the Musei Capitolini.
This was also where the marble fragments used in the recreation of the Colossus were discovered in the 15th century, now on view at the Palazzo dei Conservatori in Rome. In place of the original white marble and bronze clad onto a brick and wood structure, the replica features contemporary materials and techniques. 3D printing, reinforced resin, polyurethane, marble dust, aluminum, gold leaf, and plaster were combined to produce a durable Replica that closely imitates original materials.
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