Sculptures for a tactile fruition: The head of Sant’Elena

The creation of physical replicas of statues is not a novel concept; however, it continues to present various aspects worthy of investigation. On one hand, there is the need to optimize digital models for their physical experience while retaining distinctive features. On the other hand, there is the development of a robust pipeline for constructing reliable physical copies concerning morphometrics and materials. Both stages necessitate experimentation and comparisons, allowing for the validation of processes to achieve scientifically accurate results. This article, using the case study of the head of Sant'Elena preserved within the mausoleum of the same name, suggests comparing different processes of physical and digital 3D acquisition and reproduction of the artwork. The goal is to enhance its accessibility for individuals with visual impairments.