3D digitisation of Roman Glass Collection in Verona

In the framework of the XRculture project, Pixelated Realities PO (Odesa, Ukraine), together with Inception Srl (Ferrara, Italy), has undertaken 3D digitisation of the Roman Glass collection at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Verona (Italy), applying advanced photogrammetry and Gaussian Splatting methods. This campaign has been led by Fedir Boitsov.

During the recent scanning session at the museum, the team captured seventy-seven unique pieces of ancient Roman glassware. The collection includes objects such as balsamari, anfore, bicchieri, piatti, bottiglie, olle, coperchi, and brocche (vases, balsamaria, pitchers, glasses and bottles of various shapes and sizes). These items date to approximately the I-III centuries AD and were found in Verona. Each piece stands out for its remarkable thinness, clarity, and range of hues — from bluish tones to subtle yellow shades, and imprinted or relief-decorated surfaces.

The research took place at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Verona, home to one of the region’s most representative collections of Roman glass. The primary goal of this work is to create precise 3D documentation of these artefacts to support their study, preservation, and digital presentation. 

Information about Gaussian Splatting and photogrammetry

Gaussian Splatting plays a key role in the project’s digitisation workflow, enabling the creation of highly realistic 3D representations by reconstructing radiance fields from high-resolution photographs. Through precise image capture and alignment, the team generates detailed Gaussian Splat models that capture both the geometric form and the material qualities of each artefact with exceptional visual fidelity. This method is particularly effective for documenting non-cooperative objects such as glass, as it allows the rendering of fine surface details, transparency, and reflections while maintaining a true-to-life appearance. The resulting Splat models serve as the foundation for producing immersive, real-time, viewable digital assets. 

For the capture process, the Pixelated Realities team developed a customized mobile rig equipped with a steady video light, ensuring even illumination of glass surfaces without persistent reflections in the resulting Splat rendering. To make this project happen, a custom solution was created based on the automatic turntable paired with highly transparent plexiglass, allowing for seamless full object captures without the need to rotate fragile objects. This approach minimises any potential damage to the precious artefact while producing the best possible splatting representations. For better and faster shooting, a video rail was attached vertically to a 2-meter stand, with a camera moved via a cord and counterweight system—enabling smooth, repeatable vertical motion for consistent multi-angle coverage.

This custom scanning setup, designed specifically for glass 3D capture and Gaussian Splatting, was tested directly in the museum environment and successfully captured detailed digital models of even the smallest objects.

The initiative is part of the XRculture project activities and forms part of a broader programme to digitise European cultural heritage that is difficult to scan using traditional methods, such as glass, gemstones and metal.

The project was carried out with the kind support and collaboration of Giovanna Falezza and Ada Gabucci, and in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Culture, Regional Directorate of National Museums of Veneto (Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Verona, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Adria), the Central Institute for Cataloguing and Documentation (ICCD), and the Superintendence for Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape of the provinces of Verona, Rovigo and Vicenza.

Pixelated Realities PO is a consortium partner in the XRCulture project co-financed by the European Commission under the Digital Europe Programme. The project’s beneficiary in Ukraine is the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.