3D replica of Michelangelo's Prisoner (4117-1854)

The figure is composed of 60 percent red casting wax and 40 percent microcrystalline wax, dyed. A layer of acrylic resin was applied to give the wax extra hardness and durability. The base is acrylic resin. Both figure and base are pigmented to match the appearance of the original.

Purchase

The replica was commissioned from Factum Arte by the V&A.

The Michelangelo original wax sculpture (4117-1854) is removed from display in Gallery 64 in the summer, when high temperatures can damage the vulnerable material. This high-fidelity 3D replica can now be displayed for visitors in the absence of the original. In cooler months, when the Michelangelo original regurns to the gallery, this facsimile can be used for research and handling sessions.

This sculpture is the result of a collaboration between the V&A and Factum Arte. As a first step, Ed Lyon and Kira Zumkley in the V&A's Photography Department took over 500 extremely high-resolution photographs of the Michelangelo original (4117-1854). Kira Zumkley then used this data to create a 3D digital model in Agisoft Metashape Pro.

The V&A commissioned Factum Arte to create a replica using this 3D model. Factum made a 3D print which was then cast in wax and painted by hand to closely replicate the appearance of the original. At Factum, Eduardo Garcia, Voula Natsi, and Irene Gauma processed the V&A's data and prepared it for printing; moulds were made by Juan Carlos Arias and Angel Jorquera; finishing was done by Aniuska Martín and Montserrat Fornes; Adam Lowe supervised all stages of the work; Silvia Alvarez was the conservation advisor.

The V&A collaborated with Factum Arte to create this replica of Michelangelo's wax Prisoner (4117-1854). Factum made a 3D print using a 3D digital scan created by the museum’s photography team. This was then cast in wax with a high melting point and painted by hand to closely replicate the appearance of the original.

A.11-2024