The Selene installed © Jorge Cano | Factum Foundation
The installation was followed by a training session for the Princeton Library Digital Imaging Studio led by Roel Muñoz, and tests were carried out on several items from the library. As demonstrated through the work done at ARCHiOx, the Selene is able to capture the surface of items at a resolution of one million pixels per square inch and record height variations equivalent to less than a fifth the width of a human hair. Both 3D information and colour are simultaneously and efficiently recorded at the same time.
During the trial period, the Selene System was tested on a selection of objects from the Library’s Special Collections, including some of the cuneiform tablets. The topography of the tablets and stylus marks were captured like never before, allowing researchers a more detailed view of what was written and the tool markings. Both depth maps of the surface and a composite image from the outputs were created. A 2.5 digital model of a Russian Orthodox Quadriptych was also captured, allowing to inspect the rare and fragile object fully unfolded and see the iconographical program in its entirety. More information on the Priceton University Library’s website.
Carlos San Juan and Jorge Cano installing the Selene © Factum Foundation
The Factum Foundation and Princeton University Library teams © Jorge Cano | Factum Foundation
First tests on a Cuneiform tablet: input (left), 3D surface (right) © Princeton University Library
Detail of a 4×4 cm section © Princeton University Library
At the end of 2024, Roel Muñoz shared an update on the collaboration:
“Princeton University Library continues to explore collections anew with the Selene system, an exciting addition to the portfolio of specialised imaging services Princeton University Library provides to students, researchers, and faculty. Our most recent collaboration with a student has been recording a cuneiform tablet as part of a year-long research seminar in the Princeton Writing Program.
Additionally, we explored embossed watermarks on Islamic manuscripts. The example shown reveals an otherwise text-obscured watermark rendered completely legible via Selene recording. We have also collaborated with the Princeton University Art Museum to examine areas of repair on an Albrecht Durer engraving. Yet another example is a manuscript containing an unknown crest. The Selene recording allows for an examination of the surface detail of the artwork and gilding of this Horace manuscript from 1455.
These exciting insights into our existing collections are one of PUL’s North Star Goals of being operationally agile in building services and resources.”
