Historical-graphical analysis and digital preservation of cultural heritage: case study of the baptismal font of the church of Santiago Apóstol in Montilla (Córdoba, Spain)

Abstract

Stone is a characteristic element in the construction of buildings and monuments in the Middle Ages in Spain. This is so mainly due to its durability and, in baptismal fonts, specifically, its symbolism: Jesus Christ is the cornerstone, he comes to save us and is the foundation of the life of the Christian and of the Universal Church. The application of virtual 3D reconstruction is essential in the conservation of this type of heritage, together with scientific techniques and methods, and the analysis of historical-graphic documentation. Focusing on these three aspects, the baptismal font of the church of Santiago Apóstol de Montilla will be taken as a reference. The baptismal font of the church of Santiago Apóstol in Montilla (Córdoba, Spain), whose exact origin is unknown, is one of the most important heritage assets. San Francisco Solano, known as the “Thaumaturge of the New World”, was baptised in it. For over four centuries, the temple has been the Main Church of the head of the Marquisate of Priego. This study aims to know, document and carry out a digital reconstruction of an important piece of the monumental heritage of the Catholic Church: the baptismal font of the church of Santiago Apóstol in Montilla. To this end, we searched a major literature review focused on the use of photogrammetry for reading old graphics and deciphering texts. After that we analysed the graphic documentation derived from the restoration process conducted by Cordovan restorer Vázquez Arjona in the late twentieth century. The application of 3D digitisation and documentation techniques has allowed not only to analyse this important heritage element in detail through a virtual reconstruction, but also to make a far-reaching discovery regarding one of its elements, the unknown inserted inscription in the baptismal font band.

Three-Dimensional Digitization of Documentation and Perpetual Preservation of Cultural Heritage Buildings at Risk of Liquidation and Loss—The Methodology and Case Study of St Adalbert’s Church in Chicago

“…The author in [2] points out that obtaining digital 3D models allows for wear measurements of the external structure of the object and analysis of its surfaces and their colors. This applies to both small museum objects [3][4][5][6][7], sculptures and statues [8][9][10], as well as large architectural objects [11][12][13][14][15][16] or archaeological sites [17][18][19][20][21][22]. Data acquisition activities in 3D technology are carried out by various scientific and research communities representing many research centers in Europe (Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, France, Germany and Portugal, but also recently in Poland and Romania) and across the world: China, the USA, Australia, Japan and recently also Egypt, Iran and Uzbekistan [23].…”

The Cultural Heritage of Montilla and the Printing Press since the Modern Age: Its Evolution and Relationship with Graphic Engineering Boosting the SDGs

“…Figure 9 shows the evolution of the printing press, indicating its arrival in dalusia, and Córdoba, up to its arrival in Montilla in 1622. In Montilla, there were important characters of universal history, as it i place of the military men Gonzalo Fernández (el Gran Capitán) and Diego de A it was the place of residence for famous writers of the Modern Age, such as Sa Solano, San Juan de Ávila, and Garcilaso de la Vega [56][57][58]. In the 16th centu demographic increase took place, and Felipe IV granted it the title of city in 16 ous convent foundations emerged (Franciscans, Augustians, Poor Claris, Jesuit ceptionists).…”

“…The research work of Garramiola Prieto and Gascón Ricao allowed for the writing of his biography [61]. He In Montilla, there were important characters of universal history, as it is the birthplace of the military men Gonzalo Fernández (el Gran Capitán) and Diego de Alvear, and it was the place of residence for famous writers of the Modern Age, such as San Francisco Solano, San Juan de Ávila, and Garcilaso de la Vega [56][57][58]. In the 16th century, a strong demographic increase took place, and Felipe IV granted it the title of city in 1630.…”

“…In fact, after the death of de Morales, there was no typographic activity in Montilla until the mid-19th century, as is reported by Morte Molina, stating that such activity "decreased until reaching absolute silence". Some historical events that developed at this time must be taken into account since they decisively influenced the development of the typographic industry: epidemics, unhealthy economic conditions, the expulsion of the Jesuits from Montilla, and the confiscation of 1836, causing different religious orders to abandon the town [56][57][58][59]. In 1833, Dr. José Ramón Garnelo, the father of printer José Garnelo, opened a printing press in his home on Corredera Street.…”

A quantitative analysis method on the scale, shape and quantity of rockeries in Chinese classical gardens - Taking Wanfang Anhe Rockery in the Old Summer Palace as an example

“…Currently, it has become a trend to apply 3D digital technology to help the research of cultural heritages. The research contents of cultural heritage digitalization cover digital mapping [1], model reconstruction [2][3], digital archiving and management [4][5], cultural heritage application practice [6][7], cultural heritage protection and analysis [8][9], etc. For example, digital surveying and mapping can be carried out using technologies such as oblique photography, laser scanning and aerial remote sensing; computers or modeling software are used to reconstruct 3D model automatically or manually or in a combination of both [10][11]; digital archiving and management of cultural heritages are carried out with the help of these information management systems based on semantic data such as GIS and BIM [12][13][14]; the application practice of using VR, AR, Unity, UE, etc.…”