The ancient sculptures of the Collezione Gonzaga in the Palazzo Ducale in Mantua. Documentation and re-examination of one of the largest collections in Northern Italy.

• Applicant: Dr. Caterina Parigi
• Subject Area: Classical, Roman, Christian and Islamic Archaeology
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 437177061

The aim of this project is the completion of the scientific analysis and publication of the ancient sculptures of the Gonzaga Collection in Mantua as well as their documentation, digitalization, contextualization and a sustainable public provision of the collected data. To the approximately 280 sculptures, roughly another 60 pieces have to be added. Therefore, in total, ca. 340 sculptures need to be analyzed. The study is thus intended to include all objects to be found in Mantua that are part of the Gonzaga collection. Only the documentation of all sculptures (including the fragments and the post-antique or pseudo-antique pieces) offers the opportunity to recognize and acknowledge the diversity of the collection. The sculptures are to be examined with regards to tool marks, painting, production techniques and repairs as well as classified typologically and chronologically. The exact examination and documentation of the state of preservation is equally important. Thus, it will be possible to underline the quality of the individual objects and to draw conclusions about modern restorations and additions. Questions about workshops and the regional attribution of the pieces are to be clarified based on their detailed analysis, in connection with new information about the origin of the objects. After a new documentation standard has already been establishment and improvement, another approach for the sustainable indexing of cultural heritage shall be tested within the framework of a feasibility study. This involves 3D scanning. The comprehensive documentation of the ancient sculptures will serve as a basis for further investigations. It is important that these objects are also scientifically processed and made accessible to research. For this reason, a complete catalogue in accordance with current standards will be compiled and will serve as a basis for future research. In addition, a sustainable backup of the data in idai.objects/Arachne is guaranteed.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants