3D Portrait of President Obama Displayed in Smithsonian

For the first time, a presidential portrait using 3D scan data is being displayed in the Smithsonian.

Digital imaging specialists scanned Obama’s face with 50 custom-made LED lights, eight high-resolution sports photography cameras, and six wide-angle cameras.

Originally displayed in the White House on June 18, the portraits were revealed Tuesday and will be featured in the Smithsonian Castle’s Commons gallery until Dec. 31.

To create the 3D life-mask, the president’s face was scanned and then the Smithsonian team created an accurate bust with handheld 3D scanners and single-lens reflex cameras. High resolution models were created and printed on 3D Systems’ Selective Laser Sintering printers.

Obama’s life-mask joins just three other presidential masks in the collection. One of George Washington and two of Abraham Lincoln were created with traditional plaster-casting.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the 3D portraits courtesy of the White House.

For more information visit the Smithsonian.

Photo Credit: Si.edu