Combined Use of 3D Metric Survey and GPR for the Diagnosis of the Trapezophoros with Two Griffins Attacking a Doe of Ascoli Satriano (Foggia, Italy)

Protection and conservation are not feasible without a deeper knowledge of the cultural heritage of the subject of intervention. A careful analysis of documentation, a detailed visual inspection of surfaces, and a systematic diagnosis of the inner properties are the basis for planning preventive strategies of restoration. Digital noninvasive techniques represent an advantageous tool with useful outputs to estimate the state of health of cultural heritage in order to minimize the progress of degradation. This paper deals with a 3D metric survey through photogrammetry and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) tests applied to the study of the trapezophoros with two griffins attacking a doe of Ascoli Satriano, a masterpiece of ancient art that needs to be protected. This work provided information on both visible and hidden defects, such as numerous cracks that affect the sculpture.