Inverse-Rendering Based Analysis of the Fine Illumination Effects in the Salvator Mundi

Inverse-Rendering Based Analysis of the Fine Illumination Effects in the Salvator Mundi
Marco(Zhanhang) Liang, Michael T. Goodrich, Shuang Zhao
University of California, Irvine

Abstract

The painting, Salvator Mundi, is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci and depicts Jesus holding a transparent orb. We study the optical accuracy of the fine illumination effects in this painting using inverse rendering. Our experimental results provide plausible explanations for the strange glow inside the orb, the anomalies on the orb, and the mysterious three white spots, supporting the optical accuracy of the orb’s rendering down to its fine-grain details.

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Results
Defects

Defects on orb's surface from Salvator Mundi

Rendering of bump defects with dark field lighting

Three white spots

The orb from the painting for reference.

Rendering of the orb with three white spots.

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