3D Models and Colourized Images

Our class on the uses of images was a couple weeks ago, but a related subject, colourized images, came up in our last class. Last week’s class involved the uses of 3D visualization for historical reconstructions. As we discussed the readings and videos, it became clear that the possibilities for this technology are almost limitless. 3D modeling has the ability to recreate almost anything, from single buildings to whole cities. This has been used to great effect in historical reconstructions, and museum exhibits. One great example is the Rome Reborn project. This project took existing records and digitally rebuilt Ancient Rome in 320 C.E. The researchers and builders on this project rebuilt the temples, houses, statues, markets, and foliage of Ancient Rome and filled it with people to produce a model that is almost alive. Other city projects have focused on Rouen, France or 19th century Newcastle, Australia.

Another advantage of these models is their ability to add colour to images and statues that we have only ever seen in black and white or whose colours have faded. Our view of historic events has been shaped by these images, as well as their lack of colour. Our professor mentioned that classicists are often criticized for this perception; they often picture monuments and buildings without colour, when in fact, the colours would have been vibrant while still fresh. However, with 3D imaging, black and white photos or faded statues can be replaced with or filled in with a riot of colour. These models are certainly amazing and versatile, but the large scale ones are complicated, especially for someone with little experience. A simpler method of obtaining colourized images is colourizing regular 2-D images. One of my friends linked me to a list entitled “20 Historic Black and White Photos Colorized,” which has a variety of photos from various time periods. The site provides a before/after comparison for most of the images, which allows viewers to clearly see the differences from colourization. The site also provides links to other sources of colorized images. My favourite of this list is the “View from Capitol in Nashville, Tennessee During the Civil War, 1864.” The artist restored the light of the sun through the clouds, which enhanced the mottled light of the day, and the reflection of clouds in the puddles.

The artists who created these images used digital tools to blend their own visions with historical research on the subjects. The most common program people use to colourize photos is photoshop, which allows digital artists to shade and add colours to their projects. Images like these could be used in exhibits to present events, people, or anything else that we may be picturing wrong due to the lack of colour. They allow for much more immersive experiences because the colour provides an extra layer of reality that the viewer is much more familiar with. Instead of looking at a black and white image that may be hard to imagine in its original setting, the colour adds a familiar touch, allowing viewers to see the images as they would now. Of course, colourizing images and building 3D models is largely guesswork for those sources that do not have a lot of documentation. This may mean that we are replacing one flawed perception of images with another, but it is definitely a great experiment to see what can be developed. And who knows, these photos, like digital models, may help us see gaps in our knowledge that can still be filled.