Digital imaging allows conservators to assess different approaches to restoring vase-painting without ever handling an object. Computer imaging helped visualize various options for this group of fragments from a red-figured krater (mixing vessel) depicting the sea monster Scylla on view in Stories of the Trojan War (Gallery 110) at the Getty Villa.
The images below present an array of computer-generated options for the fragment group. The central area of loss was digitally filled with flat colors of a slightly different tone from the actual fragments (options 1–3 below). Repeating motifs, such as the dolphins and dogs, were completed by incorporating silhouettes (options 5–7 below).
Investigations into the identity of the isolated element in front of Scylla's face involved trial and error (options 4–7 below). Similar imagery found on other ancient objects and minute clues on the fragments themselves revealed that Scylla is probably holding an octopus (option 7 below).
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