The discrepancy between the archival and material evidence, and also the need to understand the complexity of the painting technique used were the main motivations for undertaking the case study described in this chapter. Medieval accounts of the château provide a detailed list of the materials acquired to make the mural decoration, but this list is incongruous when compared with the current appearance of the paintings. The medieval wall decoration of the Château de Germolles was rediscovered under the nineteenth-century plasters during World War II.

Situated in Burgundy, France, Germolles is the best preserved residence of the Dukes of Burgundy and was listed as a monument of national importance in 1989. The aim of this study was to examine and document the wall paintings in the Château de Germolles. This research may be of interest to experts in 3D technologies, as well as archaeologists and art historians, both academic scholars and students, museum curators and conservators, educators and other multidisciplinary audiences. The process of creating this particular computer model may be applied to other fragmentary vases that come either from the excavation at Karabournaki or any other archaeological site or collection. The authors consider the advantages and limitations of technologies used. The process of virtual reconstruction through 3D visualization, described in this chapter, has contributed significantly to the study and presentation of the vase. Evidence for reliable reconstruction is insufficient: the lower part that would originally have consisted of a base and foot, is missing. Although the kantharos is preserved to a large extent, its fragmentary condition challenges complete reconstruction. The vase dates to the Archaic period between the seventh and the sixth century BC. This particular kantharos was unearthed during the excavations at the ancient settlement of Therme, today’s Karabournaki near Thessaloniki, Greece.

The subject of this chapter is a fragmentary clay drinking cup, kantharos, a vessel attributed to the god Dionysus and a typical drinking vase used at symposia (gatherings). Ceramic vessels and vase fragments are the most numerous archaeological findings and a primary source of information about various aspects of ancient life: private, public, religious, economic and technological, social and artistic.

In archaeology, and in pottery studies in particular, the fragmentary condition of excavated objects impacts on research into their history and presentation. The fragmentary condition of objects is often an issue in the study of material cultural heritage.

Heathkit digital techniques