This paper covers a new approach for art reproduction, using digital printing technology. It describes a real case, the reproduction of the Altarpiece of Guimerá, a XV century master piece of Catalan Gothic painting. Due to its dimensions and its irregular surface caused by wood aging (deformations, cracks) and moldings, the entire process became a real challenge.The objective is to experience the same feelings in front of the reproduction as to the original by means of accurately reproduce the image, the volumes and the texture.It describes the key steps along the project. That is, capturing the image (digital photography), measuring (3D non contact scan) and reproducing (wood milling) the three-dimensional physical reality and finally printing the image (with Thermal inkjet UV inks) on a flexible and elastic material (Papelgel) that is later on applied on top of any uneven surface or volume, thus transferring the ink layer onto it.The replica is already installed in it's location, proving that this technique opens new possibilities in the field of art reproduction and cultural heritage preservation.
Jordi Sender, "A new approach for art reproduction. The Altarpiece of Guimerá project" in Proc. IS&T Int'l Conf. on Digital Printing Technologies and Digital Fabrication (NIP25), 2009, pp 491 - 494, https://doi.org/10.2352/ISSN.2169-4451.2009.25.1.art00025_2