An evolving scenario in the study of illuminated manuscripts: innovative approaches to research questions

The paper provides an overview of the innovative digital services and tools implemented within three research projects aimed at increasing knowledge and promoting the enhancement of illuminated manuscripts: Codex 4D, DataSpace-ISPC and Illuminated Manuscripts Hub. These very fragile and complex artifacts are contemplated in their dual role as physical objects and carriers of symbolic content. They are investigated and presented in their multiple tangible and intangible elements (codicological, palaeographic, art historical, material, etc.). Despite the peculiarities of the different actions, we propose an innovative multidisciplinary approach to the construction of cultural ecosystems and virtual representations able to integrate several information levels and making them accessible to both the research community and the general public in interactive virtual and mixed reality environments. To connect these various digital resources, the use of a knowledge graph governed by a semantic reference model was tested. The data visualisation approach employed a multimodal strategy using interoperable frameworks. Beginning with semantic representation, the method enables multidimensional information exploration through a knowledge graph, 2D visualisation systems using the IIIF standard, and interactive 3D environments powered by ATON. Each application provides specific tools for managing data entry and curation activities. • Interdisciplinary approach to the study, representation and narration of manuscript • Integration of visible and invisible features onto the virtual annotated model • Revealing manuscript's multidomain knowledge graphs via multimodal visualisation • User studies to integrate needs and expectations of different target groups • Augmented perception, analyses, and interpretation in MR and VR environments