3D MODELLING AND MEDIEVAL LIGHTING RECONSTRUCTION FOR RUPESTRIAN CHURCHES

The aim of this research is to define a method, able to analyse the systems of illumination in the medieval period, through a 3D virtual model reconstruction. It specifically needs to deepen the interactions between natural and artificial illumination in confined spaces. The study describes and examines the best survey technique to obtain a 3D model reconstruction, according to the achievement of such lighting scenarios, and the most suitable tools for lighting analysis. Thus, it is possible to carry out accurate interpretations of the past starting from historical sources and scientific data about lighting. This method was validated on a case study of a rupestrian church in Matera. The rupestrian contexts are less investigated in relation to mediaeval artificial lighting even if there are recognitions and comparative studies of widespread contexts, not only in Puglia and Basilicata, but also in Mediterranean area (e.g. in Cappadocia and Cyprus) which allow identifying evidences related to artificial lighting systems. The architectural signs (hole, niches, etc.) for ancient luminaries can be studied in 3D and lighting prospective. Lastly, the virtual model of the rupestrian church was imported into an opensource visualisation software (3D Heritage Online Presenter) to be appreciable on line and to promote historical heritage knowledge

Last Men Standing: Chlamydatus Portraits and Public Life in Late Antique Corinth

Notable among the marble sculptures excavated at Corinth are seven portraits of men wearing the long chlamys of Late Antique imperial office. This unusual costume, contemporary portrait heads, and inscribed statue bases all help confirm that new public statuary was created and erected at Corinth during the 4th and 5th centuries. These chlamydatus portraits, published together here for the first time, are likely to represent the Governor of Achaia in his capital city, in the company of local benefactors. Among the last works of the ancient sculptural tradition, they form a valuable source of information on public life in Late Antique Corinth