Chromatic Visions: Exploring Colour in Art, Archaeology and Digital Realities, Part I

This open access book explores the challenges and opportunities of preserving, reconstructing, exhibiting, and communicating the phenomenon of colour change in heritage collections and artworks through advanced digital technologies, from the perspectives of the authors, many of whom belong to renowned institutions around Europe. Developed within the Horizon Europe project PERCEIVE, this is the first of two volumes offering a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to chromatic heritage. Focusing on perception, historical transformations of colour, digital heritage design, and civic participation, the book introduces five key scenarios: from ancient polychrome sculpture and paintings to textiles, historical photographs, and digital-born artworks. Through these, it investigates how colour can be experienced, interpreted, and cared for in both physical and virtual spaces. Combining scientific investigations and concept-oriented design, the volume presents new methodologies based on the concepts of care, authenticity, civic participation and accessibility. It is an essential resource for researchers, curators, designers, and all those engaged in the digital transformation of cultural heritage.