Unearthing the Vibrant Past: Notre-Dame in Color Restoration Project

Born Digital

Unearthing the Vibrant Past: Notre-Dame in Color Restoration Project

Rediscovering History through Paint

The Notre-Dame in Color project aims to uncover the vibrant history of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris by exploring the traces of lost pigmentation on its statues. From flesh-toned faces to brilliantly blue robes, the project delves into the medieval practice of polychromy, offering insights into the colorful past of this iconic structure.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Reconstruction

At the University of Alabama, a diverse team of researchers from fields such as art history, archaeology, and musicology are partnering with specialists in architecture, 3D modeling, and lab research at Sorbonne Université in Paris. This collaborative effort seeks to reconstruct the appearance of Notre-Dame in the Middle Ages using cutting-edge technologies and historical insights.

Analyzing Historical Data and New Scans

The project leverages data collected during restoration campaigns in the 1980s and 90s, as well as recent scans of statues removed during previous renovations and now housed in museums and archives. By analyzing these sources, researchers aim to gain a deeper understanding of how Gothic statues were painted and colored, shedding light on the practices of the time.

Creating a Detailed 3D Model

One of the primary goals of the project is to develop a comprehensive 3D model illustrating the layers of paint on the exterior sculptures of Notre-Dame. This model will not only showcase the visual aspects of the polychromy but will also incorporate materials science data on the chemical composition of the paint layers and the type of stone used, providing a holistic view of the cathedral's appearance.

Director's Role in Reconstruction Efforts

Jennifer Feltman, the project's director, is actively involved in the reconstruction and restoration initiatives for Notre-Dame post the 2019 fire. As a member of the Chantier scientifique de Notre Dame, Feltman plays a crucial role in various working groups focused on elements like 'Stone' and 'Décor,' contributing her expertise to the restoration process.

Stay Ahead in Today’s Competitive Market!
Unlock your company’s full potential with a Virtual Delivery Center (VDC). Gain specialized expertise, drive seamless operations, and scale effortlessly for long-term success.

Book a Meeting to Avail the Services of Born Digital

Empowering Grant Applicants with NEH's Born Digital Resources

Virtual Grant Workshops

NEH hosts virtual workshops for grant applicants, providing insights into various grant opportunities, deadlines, and application procedures. These workshops offer a valuable opportunity to interact with NEH program staff directly, gaining a deeper understanding of available grants and tailored support.

Read article

Unlocking the Marzamemi Church Wreck: A Journey into Maritime Heritage

Excavation and Survey

The Marzamemi Maritime Heritage Project is a comprehensive effort involving excavation, survey, and heritage management activities. These initiatives are aimed at exploring the maritime landscape and seaborne communication along the southeast coast of Sicily, Italy. The project delves deep into uncovering the historical significance of the region through meticulous excavation and detailed survey work.

Read article

Empowering Educators with Born Digital Professional Development

In-Depth Humanities Study Opportunities

The Born Digital program by NEH offers educators and faculty the chance to delve deep into various humanities topics, from K-12 education to higher education. These tuition-free, one to four-week programs provide stipends ranging from $650 to $3,450 to assist with expenses. Participants can expect a comprehensive exploration of diverse humanities subjects to enrich their teaching and research.

Read article

Unveiling the Ancient Roman City of Gabii: A Digital Archaeological Marvel

Exploring the Ancient Latin City of Gabii

The Born Digital project, entitled 'At the Roots of Roman Urbanism: The Gabii Project,' delves into the excavation and analysis of the ancient Latin city of Gabii. This archaeological initiative, initiated in 2007, aims to unravel the enigmatic history of Gabii, a prominent city-state that coexisted and competed with Rome during the first millennium BC.

Read article

Navigating NEH's Application Review Process for Digital Grant Programs

Understanding the NEH Review Process

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) conducts more than 200 review panels annually, evaluating around 5,700 applications across 40 grant programs. With a diverse pool of scholars and experts, NEH assigns applications to panels consisting of 3-6 evaluators, carefully selected for their expertise. The review process has four integrated levels ensuring a thorough evaluation before funding decisions are made.

Read article

Welcome to Knowledge Base!

KB at your finger tips

Born Digital