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3D Examination of the Mona Lisa
Q & As on the revealing of the research results in 2006
Questions on the Mona Lisa Project
- What is the background to the scientific study of the Mona Lisa?
- Who organized the study of the Mona Lisa?
- When did the study of the Mona Lisa begin?
- Who took part in the study of the Mona Lisa?
- Why was NRC approached to take part in the study of the Mona Lisa?
- What was NRC's role in the study of the Mona Lisa?
- Has NRC worked with other heritage institutions on similar projects?
- How does NRC's 3-D color laser scanner work?
- What are the advantages of using a 3-D laser scanner?
- What were some of the results/findings of the study of the Mona Lisa?
- Will the findings of the study of the Mona Lisa be published?
- How was security guarantied?
- What is the sfumato technique developed by Leonardo?
- Who are the members of NRC's Mona Lisa's 3-D Project Team?
- How big if the 3-D model of the Mona Lisa?
- How can I learn more about NRC's work on the study of the Mona Lisa?
Questions about NRC
- What area of the NRC is responsible for the development of 3-D technologies?
- How has NRC's 3-D technology contributed to making Canada a leader in research and innovation?
- What contributions has NRC's 3-D technology made to the Canadian economy?
- What other sectors can benefit from the application of 3D technologies?
- Has NRC's 3-D technology been licensed to companies?
- What are the future plans for 3-D technology and research?
- More information: Mona Lisa Project, 3-D Research or Licensing Opportunities?
Questions on the Mona Lisa Project
1. What is the background to the scientific study of the Mona Lisa?
The Centre de recherche et de restauration des musées de France (C2RMF) undertook the study of the Mona Lisa at the request of the Paintings Department of the Louvre. The study, which coincided with the move of the painting to the new Salle des États, is considered to be the most extensive scientific examination of a painting ever undertaken. The last major study was performed in the 1950's.
In addition to a review of historic documents and photographs, the study included an in-depth scientific examination of the painting using non destructive techniques such as x-radiography, ultraviolet and infrared photography, x-ray micro-florescence analysis and multispectral and 3D imaging. These techniques allowed researchers to study the condition of the painting as well as the artist's technique. Museum officials were particularly concerned with the warping and stability of the poplar panel.
2. Who organized the study of the Mona Lisa?
The Centre de recherche et de restauration des musées de France (C2RMF) organized the study. The C2RMF is France's leading laboratory for the conservation and scientific research of works of art for museums in France. It is located in a large and well-equipped facility under the Louvre complex in Paris. C2RMF has a long history of collaborating with other scientific research laboratories and major European museums to develop new scientific techniques for examining works of art with.
3. When did the study of the Mona Lisa begin?
The study of the Mona Lisa was undertaken during the autumn of 2004. As the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, the studies were performed during the closing hours from Monday evening until the Museum reopened on Wednesday morning. NRC's 3-D team performed the scanning in two evening phases - during the night of 18-19 October and again the following night, 19-20 October.
4. Who took part in the study of the Mona Lisa?
A team of 39 specialists with backgrounds in art history, conservation, photography physics, engineering, chemistry, optics and digital imaging from seven institutions took part in this study. In addition to NRC's Visual Information Technology Group, other institutional partners included the Centre de recherche et de restauration des musées de France (C2RMF), the département des Peintures du musée du Louvre, the CNRS university Montpellier II and CNRS university Poitiers, the INRA-CNRS université Nancy I, and the University of Florence.
5. Why was NRC approached to take part in the study of the Mona Lisa?
NRC has collaborated with the C2RMF on 3-D R&D since 1995 in preparation for the Corot retrospective held at the Louvre (subsequently displayed at the National Gallery of Canada). In 2003, the NRC and the C2RMF collaborated on a research project to develop a portable "ultra high resolution" 3-D camera system designed to scan paintings. The laboratory color laser scanner was extensively re-engineered for portability and new technologies were introduced making it the world's first ultra-high resolution 3-D portable color laser scanning system. In May 2004, to test the initial portable prototype system, NRC took the scanner to the C2RMF to scan a series of Renoir paintings. Following these tests, the C2RMF and the Louvre invited NRC to participate in the Mona Lisa project.
6. What was NRC's role in the study of the Mona Lisa?
NRC's role was to scan the complete painting - obverse and reverse - in order to prepare a complete high-resolution archival quality 3-D model of the painting. The 3-D model was used:
- to document and precisely measure the distorted shape of the poplar panel,
- to examine surface features of the composition, the craquelure in the paint layer, the split in the panel, surface lacunae and
- to help the study of both the painting's state of conservation and da Vinci's technique, in particular his sfumato.
In addition, the 3-D image data is also being used to prepare a high-resolution interactive display of the painting.
7. Has NRC worked with other heritage institutions on similar projects?
During the past 20 years, NRC, has collaborated with many Canadian and international museums to develop 3-D technology for a wide range of museum recording applications. Canadian institutions include the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Canadian Heritage Information Network and the Bill Reid Foundation. In addition to the C2RMF, NRC has also collaborated on international projects with the British Museum, the Peabody Museum, the Israel Antiquities Authority, the State Administration of Cultural Heritage in China and with the Universities of Lecce, Florence, Padova, Trento and Milan in Italy as well as with Stanford University in the USA.
Collectively, this work has resulted in the development of a number of new and unique applications including archival 3-D recording, conservation monitoring, art history research, replication and the creation of interactive virtual displays. In the process, NRC's 3-D team has developed considerable expertise in imaging works of art and heritage sites.
8. How does NRC's 3-D color laser scanner work?
The patented triangulation-based NRC 3-D laser scanner scans a low power white laser spot over the complete surface of the painting - obverse and reverse - and produces a high resolution archival quality 3-D digital model or record of both the shape and color of the object's surface.
9. What are the advantages of using a 3-D laser scanner?
The primary advantage of using a high-resolution optical 3-D laser scanner for recording a work of art such as the Mona Lisa is that it records a very accurate archival quality record or "3-D Digital Model" of the shape as well as the color of the object. This record can be used to make very accurate measurements of the shape of the object, to monitor change over time, it can be studied for art historical and conservation applications and used to prepare an interactive 3-D display. Another advantage of the NRC 3-D laser scanner technology is that as a non-contact optical technique it does not touch the surface of the object.
10. What were some of the results/findings of the study of the Mona Lisa?
The C2RMF art historians, conservators and conservation scientists reviewed all of the data obtained in the study - including the 3-D images in collaboration with the NRC scientists - to evaluate the condition of the painting and study Leonardo's technique.
Some of the conclusions reported include:
- The wood panel on which the Mona Lisa is painted is sensitive to temperature and climate variations. However, if its current storage conditions are maintained, there is no risk of degradation.
- The 12 cm split on the top half of the painting, which was probably due to the removal of the original frame and repaired between the middle of the XVIII and beginning of the XIX century appears to be stable and has not worsened over time.
- Considering the 500-year history of the painting, including the theft in 1911, the vandal attacks on it in 1956 and the extensive craquelure pattern, the adhesion of the pictorial layer to the support is good and it appears to be in a good state of conservation in spite of an irregular and yellowed superficial varnish.
- The very fine craquelure pattern recorded by the laser scanner seems to corroborate other inspection techniques and conclusions that support the principle of minimum intervention on the painting as recommended by the experts.
In collaboration C2RMF, NRC continues its 3-D examination of the painting. Currently, additional tests are being performed to study the very fine details of the paint layers, brush strokes or rather the absence of brush strokes, and Leonardo's famous sfumato technique. As part of this study, the NRC team travelled back to Paris in the autumn of 2005 to perform further tests on the Mona Lisa to assess the validity of some of these hypotheses. Details of this work will be published as the work progresses.
11. Will the findings of the study of the Mona Lisa be published?
The results from this study are published in Au coeur de La Joconde in French by Les Éditions Gallimard and Mona Lisa: Inside the Painting published in English by Harry N. Abrams Inc. The German edition, which was released in May 2006, is titled Mona Lisa: Das große Buch zum berühmtesten Gemälde der Welt published by Schirmer/Mosel.
12. How was security guaranteed?
Each session was subject to specific security conditions. The number of people present was controlled and, with very few exceptions, the number of individuals allowed in the immediate proximity of the painting at one time was limited to four in order to maintain the temperature and humidity conditions surrounding the painting. All manipulations were carried out by restorers. During the 3D scans, the main team was composed of two experts from NRC, one supervisor from the C2RMF and one restorer, except for certain visual tests and specific operations, for which special authorization was granted.
13. What is the sfumato technique developed by Leonardo?
Sfumato is a term used by Leonardo da Vinci to refer to a painting technique which overlays translucent layers of color to create the perception of depth, volume and form. In particular, it refers to the blending of colors or tones, so subtly that there is no perceptible transition.
In Italian sfumato means "blended" with connotations of "smoky" and is derived from the Italian word fumo meaning 'smoke'. Leonardo described sfumato as 'without lines or borders, in the manner of smoke or beyond the focus plane.
(ref: Wikipedia)
14. Who are the members of NRC's Mona Lisa 's 3-D Project Team?
NRC research scientists François Blais, led the technical developments on the 3-D technology used in the project and the scanning while John Taylor coordinated the scientific examination studies on the painting.
Other members of the NRC scientific team for this project included Marc Rioux, Luc Cournoyer, Michel Picard, J.-Angelo Beraldin, Louis Borgeat, Guy Godin, Philippe Massicotte, Louis-Guy Dicaire and Jacques Domey.
15. How big is the 3-D model of the Mona Lisa?
The complete 3-D model of the Mona Lisa consists of 382 Million 3-D polygons. In computer graphic terms, the polygon is the basic geometrical primitive used by 3-D graphic processor boards for rendering. By comparison, most current 3-D models are limited to a few million polygons.
The physical dimensions of the painting are 77 cm x 53 cm, at a 3-D resolution of 60 micro-meters (0.06 mm) this corresponds to an image of 12800 x 8800 pixels or the equivalent of a 113 million pixels. By comparison, current consumer market digital cameras are currently limited to 8-14 million pixels.
16. How can I learn more about NRC's work on the study of the Mona Lisa?
Further information on NRC's 3-D work on this project is posted on our website which will be updated regularly as research continues.
Project Page
http://nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/projects/iit/mona-lisa.html
NRC 3-D Imaging
http://nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/programs/iit/modeling-visualization.html
Questions on NRC
17. What area of the NRC is responsible for the development of 3-D technologies?
The research and development of 3-D technologies at the NRC is conducted by scientists working for the Visual Information Technology Group. This research group is part of NRC Institute for Information Technology (NRC-IIT) - one of the NRC's 20 research institutes and national programs. The group is based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Research in the 3-D Technologies program focuses on three main areas:
- Virtualizing Reality and Visualization - This involves imaging techniques that permit the integration of virtual representations of the real world into new emerging media.
- Collaborative Virtual Environments - This involves the convergence of computer graphics, computer vision, broadband communication, human computer interfaces and CSCW (computer supported cooperative work) to change the way teams of individuals create, communicate, manipulate and disseminate information in collaborative projects.
- 3-D Data Mining and Management - This involves the creation of new paradigms to index and describe the growing number 3-D objects and scenes stored into databases.
For additional information on the Visual Information Technology Group including contact people, please visit: http://nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/ibp/iit/research/visual-information.html
18. How has NRC's 3-D technology contributed to making Canada a leader in research and innovation?
NRC efforts have enabled the development of research clusters within Canada and fostered the creation of 3-D knowledge networks. NRC scientists are well respected by their peers for their vision, innovation, and long-term commitment to advancing research.
NRC creates value through innovation in Canada and is an important contributor to the country's economic well-being. As a public sector organization, NRC undertakes critical research and transfers this knowledge to the private sector. To date, NRC has fostered the development of many successful Canadian companies across a range of sectors. Many NRC licensees are also leaders in their respective fields of industry.
19. What contributions has NRC's 3-D technology made to the Canadian economy?
NRC 3-D imaging and modeling technologies have injected $50-million annually into the Canadian economy and led to the creation of over 300 jobs. It is estimated that the full potential of NRC technologies is only beginning to be felt.
20. What other sectors can benefit from the application of 3D technologies?
NRC 3-D technologies are catalysts for improved business processes across a range of sectors including the manufacturing, space, gaming, entertainment and medical sectors.
For example:
- 3-D digitizing hardware and software offers, through NRC's licensees, automotive companies the possibility of scanning and studying inventories quickly, easily and completely.
- Companies can measure and study products faster
- Scanning equipment is lightweight and easily portable to heavy or hard-to-access parts
- Software inspection algorithms can quickly and efficiently compare range data with their equivalent mechanical CAD model and quickly pinpoint defective parts.
- Because of its exceptional accuracy in the determination of position of objects in three-dimensional space, 3-D laser scanners have been extensively used in the space program where highly accurate and automated measurements are required.
- NRC 3-D technologies allow the modelling, and ultimately, the study of the human body, and while the impact on the medical sector is yet to be realized, the potential for 3D technologies is enormous.
- NRC scientists were key consultants and their 3D technology was trusted to undertake the CEASAR project, the first systematic collection of anthropometric data The three-year project scanned and modelled 6,000 men and women in the United States, Canada, Italy and the Netherlands, and is anticipated to have an important impact on the transportation and apparel industries.
- 3-D technologies that originated in NRC labs have helped push the envelope on the visual quality of films, creating life-like characters and memorable environments, and ultimately a better viewing experience.
- The NRC 3D technology has been used in many other sectors of the Canadian economy, from various forestry and mining applications, robotics, manufacturing, road inspection, to forensic applications.
21. Has NRC's 3-D technology been licensed to companies?
NRC's 3-D technology has been licensed to nine Canadian companies which have injected an estimated $50-million annually into the Canadian economy and has led to the creation of over 300 jobs. Some of the licensees include:
- NRC licensee Innovmetric Software is a world-renowned leader in the field of 3-D modelling technologies for use in the automotive sector, and work with companies such as Honda, Toyota, Ford, GM, and Rolls-Royce.
- Neptec Inc., an NRC licensee, and NRC were approached by NASA and the Canadian Space Agency in 1998 to develop a 3-D camera for space applications; their successes have been profound, from the recent deployment of the LCS on the extended Canadarm to inspect for tiny fractures in Discovery's thermal tiles to the Hubble Space Telescope rescue mission.
- Another NRC licensee, XYZ RGB Inc., uses 3-D technologies developed at NRC for the production of special effects for movies such as the Lord of the Rings trilogy, King Kong, and the Matrix sequels Revolutions and Reloaded. In 2004, NRC's 3-D technology and XYZ RGB were short listed for consideration by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Scientific and Technical Awards Committee for the 77th Academy Awards.
- Laser camera manufacturers and scanning service bureaus have licensed and adapted different aspects NRC 3D technology for their own business applications: ShapeGrabber Inc. has developed an automated 3D inspection station, Arius3D Inc. has developed their color laser scanner, Optech Inc. combines NRC's color projection algorithms with their long range laser scanner for civil engineering applications, GIE Technologies from Montreal uses NRC's technology for the inspection of roads, Servo-Robot uses 3-D scanner technology for automated welding applications, ShapeQuest Inc. has licensed ShapeCapture from NRC for accurate 3D measurement and modelling applications.
22. What are the future plans for 3-D technology and research?
NRC is a leader in 3-D modeling applications and the creation of life-like high-quality virtualized models of real environments. The research program covers all aspects of 3-D hardware and software technology development from acquisition, computer vision, modeling, and sophisticated stereoscopic display systems to portable virtual 3-D theaters. A significant part of the work is performed in collaboration with Canadian and international partners.
With its temperature controlled environments, NRC's new metrology lab, to be completed in summer 2006, aims at developing industry standards and new optical measurement methods to further develop the "next generation" of 3-D technology.
NRC has developed and patented a computerized system that can retrieve and search databases of files corresponding to 3-D shapes for matching with reference shapes and/or discrete characteristics - it is highly regarded as the front runner in 3-D search systems. There is enormous potential for 3-D search engines in fields such as chemistry, geology, and medicine or other fields in which management of three-dimensional shapes and related data is important.
Researchers at NRC are also working on innovative techniques for the processing and visualization of high-resolution models. For example, a unique technique has been developed for the real-time display of huge 3-D models, consisting of hundreds of millions of polygons, on commodity computers. Enhanced resolution stereoscopic displays are also being investigated as a tool for visually accessing the quality of the data that is being acquired.
23. More information: Mona Lisa Project, 3-D Research or Licensing Opportunities?
For more information on the Mona Lisa Project, Contact:
Vincent Lemay
Communications Officer
Communications Office, NCR
NRC Institute for Information Technology
1200 Montreal Road
Building M-50, Room 208A
Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6
Telephone: +1 (613) 990-7117
Fax: +1 (613) 952-7998
E-mail: Vincent.Lemay@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Other Information :
NRC: http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/
C2RMF: http://www.c2rmf.fr/
Louvre: http://www.louvre.fr/llv/commun/home_flash.jsp
Editions Gallimard: http://www.gallimard.fr/
Harry N. Abrams Inc.: http://www.hnabooks.com/
Research Contact
François Blais
Group Leader
Visual Information Technology
NRC Institute for Information Technology
1200 Montreal Road
Building M-50, Room 341
Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6
Telephone: +1 (613) 993-3285
Fax: +1 (613) 952-0215
E-mail: Francois.Blais@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Business Contact
Charles-Antoine Gauthier (Charles)
Business Development Officer
Business Development Office, NCR
NRC Institute for Information Technology
1200 Montreal Road
Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6
Telephone: +1 (613) 993-2491
Fax: +1 (613) 952-7998
E-mail: Charles-Antoine Gauthier
