Sergio Fusetti has been working for nearly three decades to restore the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi after two powerful earthquakes in 1997 left it severely damaged. Despite his efforts, over 80,000 fragments of the 13th-century church remain unplaced. Now, a team of art historians, software engineers, and Franciscan friars are using artificial intelligence to aid in the restoration process. The basilica, located in Umbria, Italy, is a significant religious site and the resting place of Saint Francis, a revered Christian figure. The church has withstood more than 20 earthquakes since its construction, with the 1997 quakes causing fatalities and injuries, including to Fusetti himself. To restore the basilica, the team is collaborating with Haltadefinizione, a tech company specializing in ultra-high-definition photography. Led by Giovanni Borelli, they are creating a digital twin of the basilica using advanced cameras, drones, and lasers to capture intricate details of the artwork, which will help in piecing together the damaged frescos and walls.
QUESTION: How might the use of artificial intelligence in art restoration change the way we preserve historical sites in the future?
Friars turn to modern technology to repair 13th century basilica
