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3D Reconstructions

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3D Models in the "Pompey Project"

The 19th Century Reconstructions

Restoring the Theater of Pompey in the 21st Century:


 

The 19th Century Reconstructions

Luigi Canina

Like all similar attempts, the reconstructions of the Theater of Pompey attempt to unite all known data about the ancient site into a comprehensible whole. Combined with the evidence from the Forma Urbis and Vitruvius’ essay on theater building, Canina’s study of the remains in the cellars of  Palazzo Pio, his analysis of the shapes and dimensions of Palazzo Pio and of the neighboring closely associated modern blocks provided the information for his initial reconstruction. But, in both his first reconstruction and in his revision of it, he did not provide clear plans of the modern blocks on the site; he did not visually indicate where, within the modern block plan, the Theater’s ancient walls were, and, in the first reconstruction, he did not provide elevations of the surviving architectural details. Baltard’s work gave to Canina’s later reconstruction drawings of the architectural details and a revised elevation of the arcaded facade: attached half columns between the arches, rather than free-standing columns.

Canina, Plan of the Theater of Pompey
Fig. 3. Canina, Plan of the Theater of Pompey

Canina, –Restored section of the Theater of Pompey
Fig. 4. Canina, Restored section of the Theater of Pompey, looking west

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