Reading the Stones: Digital Epigraphy and the MultiSensory Gothic Archive—Stone, Light and Sound

Authors

  • Annik Meulemans Meulemans Birdwing Art

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65408/cird159039

Keywords:

Digital Epigraphy, Gothic Cathedrals, LiDAR, Reflectance Transformation Imaging, Historic Building Information Modelling, Stained Glass, Digital Archaeoacoustics, Multisensory Heritage, Heritage Informatics, Religious Cultural Heritage

Abstract

Gothic cathedrals are remarkable repositories of medieval architecture, craftsmanship, religious expression, and material memory. Beyond their visible forms, they preserve evidence in stonemasons’ marks, inscriptions, stained-glass compositions, natural illumination, material characteristics, and acoustic properties. This paper proposes Heritage Informatics as an integrative framework for documenting, analysing, and interpreting these interconnected layers of cultural heritage. It examines the complementary use of terrestrial laser scanning and LiDAR, digital epigraphy, Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI), computer vision, Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM), spatial databases, material characterization, and digital archaeoacoustics. Particular attention is given to linking visual, spatial, material, historical, and acoustic information through structured metadata, provenance, and interoperable digital systems. Chartres Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle provide illustrative contexts. The paper addresses uncertainty by distinguishing direct observation from scholarly interpretation and digital reconstruction. It argues that integrating these technologies can strengthen research, conservation, education, public engagement, and the long-term preservation and accessibility of Gothic heritage knowledge.

Author Biography

  • Annik Meulemans Meulemans, Birdwing Art

    Annik Meulemans is an art researcher, digital heritage specialist, and craftsmanship lover who founded Birdwing Art to bridge the gap between historical scholarship and modern preservation. With a multidisciplinary academic background spanning economics, business administration, and Arts and Heritage Management from Università Bocconi in Milan, she is deeply committed to making cultural heritage accessible as an active member of the Europeana network. Her certification further underscores her expertise in cultural preservation through the Trace EU training program, which empowers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism and culture sectors. Her extensive experience is reflected in her published non-fiction books on education and training, as well as her dedicated academic writing. Through high-resolution scanning, digital epigraphy, and critical research, she explores how modern technology can uncover and preserve the hidden narratives of historic architecture and fine art.

References

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18th-century Bishop’s Chapel, Archibishopric of Lucca. Photo by: Olimpia Niglio, October 2026

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Published

2026-11-08

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 4 (2026): Religious Cultural Heritage: Diagnostics, Documentation and Valorization

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Annik Meulemans Meulemans

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