Tomb of Mastino II

Original name

Ark of Mastino II

Geographic Area

Verona, Italy

Reference Project

Study of the constructive components and digital survey for the conservation of the Scaliger Ark

Site description

The Scaliger arks are a monumental Gothic-style funerary complex belonging to the Scaliger family, intended to contain the arks (or tombs) of some illustrious representatives of the family. Among the various tombs of the complex, the arks of Cangrande I, Mastino II and Cansignorio stand out for their complexity and beauty, belonging to the typology of the canopied cemetery on columns.
The Ark of Mastino II was built between 1345 and 1350. The structure has a rectangular plan with two superimposed pavilions, set on four corner columns. The tomb is delimited by a red marble fence and an iron mesh gate, composed of an ornamental mesh developed on quadrilobed modules, each of which houses a circle with a heraldic ladder, the symbol of the Scaliger family. The monument is characterized by the presence of an imposing decorative and sculptural apparatus placed on the tympanums, which re-proposes episodes from the Bible, including the killing of Cain, the temptation of Adam and Eve, the work of the Progenitors and the mockery of Noah. In addition, in the corner portions of the ark, there are four spire aedicula, each with a statue of a saint inside.

Credits

Promoted by
Rotary Club Verona

Coordinator
Sandro Parrinello

Partnership
UNIPV, University of Pavia
Municipality of Verona, Rotary Club Verona, Verona Unesco Office

Survey Activities

Laser Scanner
Francesca Galasso
Hangjun Fu

UAVs Photogrammetry
Francesca Picchio

Terrestrial Photogrammetry
Alessia Miceli
Francesca Galasso
Annunziata Papalia

Photo
Alessia Miceli
Annunziata Papalia

Post production Activities

2D Drawings
Francesca Picchio
Alessia Miceli
Francesca Galasso
Hangjun Fu
Annunziata Papalia

Gallery
3D Model

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Documentation Methodology

The documentation phase of the Ark of Mastino II was performed through direct and digital survey. The direct survey was performed to integrate data deriving from the digital survey, carried out with Terrestrial Laser Scanner instrumentation. Using a comb and gauge profilometer, it was possible to obtain detailed profiles of the mouldings and the decorative apparatus of the sarcophagus.

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The digital survey was conducted using different types of instrumentation. The FARO Focus S150 Cam 2 Terrestrial Laser Scanner allowed to obtain geometric / spatial information, with a high degree of precision. The Artek Eva laser, with structured light, was used for the detailed documentation of the decorative apparatus on the sarcophagus, which is characterized by the presence of bas-reliefs and statues.

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At the same time, photogrammetric survey operations were carried out using the Mavic Mini drone, to detect the portions of the monument that are not accessible due to the height. This operations allowed to acquire the material data of the ark, with a high degree of detail, that will support surface and structural alteration maps for maintenance and restoration purposes.

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Bibliography