Article
Improving Workflows in Digital Art History: Sharing Annotations for Cultural Heritage Image Segmentation and Object DetectionLéa Maronet, Alice Truc
[english]This article addresses the lack of standardization in digital art history, with a particular focus on image segmentation and object detection. It argues for the establishment of interoperable and reproducible data standards to enhance the effectiveness and replicability of current workflows. Through the case study of animal representations in ancient India, the article sheds light on the necessity of harmonizing segmentation and object detection practices, while also taking into account the interpretive nature of art historical analysis. It advocates for the development of more adaptable tools that can accommodate the diverse levels of interpretation specific to artworks, thus facilitating the integration of multi-layered semantic annotations. [français]Cet article aborde l’absence de standardisation dans le domaine de l’histoire de l’art numérique, en mettant particulièrement l’accent sur la segmentation d’images et la détection d’objets. Il plaide en faveur de l’établissement de standards de données interopérables et reproductibles afin d’améliorer l’efficacité et la reproductibilité des flux de travail actuels. À travers l’étude de cas des représentations animales dans les sculptures produites en Inde ancienne, l’article souligne la nécessité d’harmoniser les pratiques de segmentation et de détection d’objets, tout en reconnaissant le caractère interprétatif de l’analyse en histoire de l’art. Il préconise le développement d’outils plus flexibles, capables d’intégrer les différents niveaux d’interprétation propres aux œuvres d'art, et de faciliter l’intégration d’annotations sémantiques multi-niveaux.
Published on June 16, 2025
Article
A reproducible workflow for the creation of digital twins in the cultural heritage domainSebastian Barzaghi, Alice Bordignon, Federica Collina, Francesca Fabbri, Bruno Fanini, Daniele Ferdani, Bianca Gualandi, Ivan Heibi, Nicola Mariniello, Arcangelo Massari, Marcello Massidda, Arianna Moretti, Silvio Peroni, Sofia Pescarin, Maria Felicia Rega, Giulia Renda, Mattia Sullini
This article explores how to create reproducible workflows for the 3D acquisition and digitisation of cultural heritage objects to ensure sustainability and reusability across various institutions. In addressing two main research questions, the paper proposes a workflow that involves the systematic acquisition, processing and digitisation of cultural heritage artefacts. In particular, the workflow focuses on developing digital twins for cultural heritage settings and exhibitions and proposes baseline standards for both technical and interpretative aspects of digitisation. The workflow has been derived from and tested on the pilot case of the temporary exhibition The Other Renaissance: Ulisse Aldrovandi and the Wonders of the World, in the context of the CHANGES project. The article reflects on software and hardware equipment to select, the procedures and techniques to use and the formats to adopt to comply with openness, accessibility, transparency, reproducibility, reusability and sustainability in the research workflow, building on previous works on fostering reproducibility in research and improving the interoperability of 3D data across different systems. It highlights the need for transparent documentation of every step of the process, focusing on accountability and practices in the context of cultural heritage research. Finally, the article suggests improvements for enhancing the sustainability of these kinds of workflows and discusses future directions for digitisation efforts and sharing practices.
Published on July 24, 2025
