Cinematic Imaging of Works of Art - Exploring the advantages of computer simulated camera techniques

The reproduction ofworks of art, particularly paintings, on film or video brings with it many complex issues for both the institution and the producer. Recent developments in micro-computer-based image processing have made it economical to simulate dynamic cinematic techniques using high resolution digital still images. During production of The Minneapolis Institute of Arts' multimedia project "The Art of Persuasion: 17th Century European Painting" a number of cinematic imaging techniques were successfully developed and incorporated. This paper describes a number of techniques for producing these types of segments and their many advantages over traditional film and video.