“vedere” un quadro con le mani

The reproductions, made by researchers at the Department of industrial Engineering of the University of Florence, are tactile translations in the form of bas-relief of some important pictorial works of art of the Florentine Renaissance. They are obtained using techniques developed in the project T-VedO -reconstruction in 3D for blind people of pictorial works of art - funded by Tuscany Region. In fact, the project T-See allowed to develop a computer-based semi-automatic method, able to transform two-dimensional artwork in three-dimensional models usable by the visually impaired. Using computer-based techniques, the scene painted by the artist turned into a digital three-dimensional representation (bas relief), then materially achieved with rapid prototyping techniques (e.g. 3D printers). Tactile reproductions are as follows: Madonna and child with Angels (Niccolò di Pietro Gerini -Villa la Quiete, Florence). Marriage of St. Catherine (Ridolfo Ghirlandaio -Villa la Quiete, Florence). Healing of the cripple and raising of Tabitha (Masolino da Panicale -Brancacci Chapel, Florence). The Annunciation (Beato Angelico – Museo di San Marco, Florence). Robbiana (Giovanni della Robbia -Villa la Quiete, Florence). In this way, even those who cannot see finally reconstruct a picture in their mind, using the hand. More, it could be an interesting experience for everyone, when with closed eyes you can "read" or “see” the artwork simply by touching!