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Arts & Communication Digital reconstitution of lost heritage

architectural plans, and any surviving physical remnants. representation, although an aggregate one, AI-generated
The gathered information will undergo a thorough analysis artworks can catalyze public interest and potentially garner
to extract relevant style, esthetic, and contextual details support and funding for further research and preservation
pertinent to the period. Following data collection, generative efforts in the field of cultural heritage. However, in
AI models will be employed to synthesize this information considering a methodology and strategy to guide such
and create digital reconstructions. These AI models, efforts, expanding on existing examples is necessary.
trained on the collected data, will generate high-fidelity The concept of the “Period Eye,” as articulated by Michael
visual representations of lost artworks and architectural Baxandall underscores the importance of understanding
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elements. The models will be fine-tuned to ensure that the artworks within their historical and cultural context. The
generated outputs align closely with historical accuracy approach aligns seamlessly with the capabilities of modern
and the esthetic sensibilities of the period. The final phase technologies in reconstituting period materialities and,
of the methodology involves integrating the AI-generated therefore, the proposed subfield of “Reconstituting Period
reconstructions into a VR environment. This integration Materialities for the Period Eye” is thus warranted, given
will facilitate an immersive experience, allowing viewers to the advancements in AI and other digital technologies.
engage with the reconstructions in a context that closely These tools enable us not only to recreate lost artworks
mirrors their original settings. The immersive environment but also to embed them within their original cultural
will be designed to replicate the original architectural and and temporal contexts. By doing so, they provide a more
spatial configurations, enhancing the overall authenticity holistic understanding of the artwork, as seen through the
of the experience. eyes of contemporaries of the period, thus bridging the gap
At the same time, historical veracity need be considered. between past perceptions and present-day interpretations.
It is thus noteworthy that one of the foremost advances in This subfield represents a significant evolution in art
AI relevant to cultural heritage preservation is its ability history and digital humanities, leveraging the power of AI
to discern and replicate trends, patterns, and stylistic to foster a deeper, more nuanced engagement with cultural
characteristics inherent in artworks. Generative AI heritage.
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algorithms can analyze extensive datasets, encompassing This methodology, grounded in the principles of
an oeuvre, stylistic elements of a particular era, or specific archeoacoustics and expanded through the use of
artistic movements. By training on these datasets, AI generative AI, represents a significant leap in cultural
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models are capable of generating outputs that not only heritage preservation. By enabling the digital resurrection
mimic the style of a particular artist or period but also of lost cultural artifacts, the research not only contributes to
adhere to the prevailing aesthetic norms. This capability the academic understanding of historical periods but also
is pivotal in reconstructing artworks that are no longer provides a tangible connection to the past for contemporary
extant, as AI can synthesize aggregate data to create audiences. The use of AI and VR technologies in this
plausible representations based on similar works, thereby context exemplifies how modern tools can bridge the gap
addressing concerns over historical veracity. 59 between the past and the present, offering innovative ways

The use of technology, particularly AI, in recreating to experience and appreciate cultural heritage.
lost artworks serves a dual purpose. First, it aids in the 4. Results
preservation of cultural heritage by providing a digital
surrogate for artworks that have been damaged or lost. The meticulous reconstruction of elements from the
Second, these recreations can significantly heighten public 1785 Salon in a virtual environment involved a detailed
interest in the surviving examples of a work or a specific and methodical approach to replicating the architectural,
period of art. The digital resurrection of lost artworks decorative, and artistic elements of the exhibition. The
not only pays homage to the original creations but also endeavor outlined here to reconstitute two specific
stimulates broader engagement with and appreciation works was segmented into three distinct phases: building
for the remaining cultural artifacts. This is why, even in materials, painting selection, and painting materials, each
instances where the AI-generated aggregate versions of contributing uniquely to the overall authenticity and
lost artworks are not entirely accurate, their value extends historical accuracy of the virtual reconstruction.
beyond mere historical precision. These reconstructions The approach to creating the virtual environment
play a crucial role in drawing attention and awareness commenced with an assemblage of diverse references
to subjects that might otherwise remain overlooked or and templates to accurately replicate architectural and
underfunded, particularly in scenarios where there are decorative elements of the Salon. A crucial reference was
no physical artifacts to exhibit. By presenting a visual an image of the entrance to the Salon Carré at the Louvre,
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Volume 2 Issue 2 (2024) 6 doi: 10.36922/ac.2719