Historicising 3D Data

Abstract This article traces the journey that the AST - RX platform has taken with some insects from the study collection of the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle in Paris to transform them into digital avatars. These avatars appear in their singularity, even in a digital environment. This transition takes place between environments with different textures, densities, contrasts and volumes, which stage very concrete operations: glances and touches adjust the production of data with specific technologies in order to create 3D models using X-ray tomography, dedicated to the analysis of the internal structure of the specimens. The preliminary preparation of the specimen is part of this process of data production, which highlights the complexity of the materiality of specimen conservation, in addition to their physical characteristics. Describing this process is crucial for integrating the creation of the digital avatar into the history of the specimen.