ChappsJul 2, 2023
Here's a little experiment in digitally reconstructing ancient bronzes. On the left is a reconstruction of the famous early-mid 1st c. CE statue of Livia from the theater of #Herculaneum, as it once might have looked, polished, with stone and glass eyes and bronze eyelashes. On the right is a photo of how it currently looks, with darkened bronze, and no eyes (due to both the heat of Vesuvius and 18th c. meddling). Photo by Dr. Steven Zucker, Smarthistory.org 1/
Show threadChappsJul 2, 2023

Livia's statue is one of several which stood on the upper tier of the theater, depicting prominent citizens and members of the Royal family, in addition to bronze horses.

See ALT text for more info on each sculpture. 2/

Show threadChappsJul 2, 2023
The Empress Livia - wife of Augustus - is portrayed here as a pious priestess, her head covered and her arms raised in an orans posture of prayer. Note the dented chin, perhaps received when she was blown off the top of the theater during the eruption of Vesuvius? 📸 Dr. Steven Zucker, Smarthistory.org
Show threadChapps
The theater at Herculaneum was a center of art and culture, but also of state propaganda, hence the portraits of the royal family. The plastered walls were covered in brightly painted frescoes, and the orchestra (stage) was covered in thick slabs of yellow gallo antico marble (like the Pantheon interior columns). 4/
Jul 2, 2023 at 8:04pmWeb
Show threadChappsJul 2, 2023

Finally, I just wanted to show how the sculptures on top of the theater in Herculaneum might have looked in situ, overlooking the city, reflecting the first rays of the sun every morning.

I produced the background of ancient #Herculaneum and Vesuvius using #Al.
#digitalreconstruction 5/end