June 18, 2014

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Smithsonian creates first 3D portrait of Obama

This undated handout image provided by the Smithsonian Institution shows the first presidential portrait created from 3-D scan data. A team at the Smithsonian Institution has created the first 3D presidential portraits to depict President Barack Obama in the National Portrait Gallery collection. Digital imaging specialists have created a 3D printed bust and life mask of Obama. Both were shown for the first time Wednesday at the first ever White House Maker Faire with a gathering of inventors and students. (AP Photo/Smithsonian Institution)
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This undated handout image provided by the Smithsonian Institution shows the first presidential portrait created from 3-D scan data. A team at the Smithsonian Institution has created the first 3D presidential portraits to depict President Barack Obama in the National Portrait Gallery collection. Digital imaging specialists have created a 3D printed bust and life mask of Obama. Both were shown for the first time Wednesday at the first ever White House Maker Faire with a gathering of inventors and students. (AP Photo/Smithsonian Institution)

A team at the Smithsonian Institution has scanned President Barack Obama's head to create the first 3D portrait of a sitting president.

Digital imaging specialists have created a 3D printed bust and life mask of Obama, which will be his first presidential depictions in the National Portrait Gallery collection. Both were shown Wednesday at a gathering of inventors, entrepreneurs and students at the White House.

The Smithsonian says its team scanned Obama earlier this year using two distinct 3D processes. Experts from the University of Southern California used their "light stage" face scanner to document the president's face from ear to ear.

The Smithsonian has three other life masks of presidents—one of George Washington and two of Abraham Lincoln. Those were created through plaster casting.

This undated handout image provided by the Smithsonian Institution shows the life mask of the first presidential portrait created from 3-D scan data. A team at the Smithsonian Institution has created the first 3D presidential portraits to depict President Barack Obama in the National Portrait Gallery collection. Digital imaging specialists have created a 3D printed bust and life mask of Obama. Both were shown for the first time Wednesday at the first ever White House Maker Faire with a gathering of inventors and students. (AP Photo/Smithsonian Institution)
× close
This undated handout image provided by the Smithsonian Institution shows the life mask of the first presidential portrait created from 3-D scan data. A team at the Smithsonian Institution has created the first 3D presidential portraits to depict President Barack Obama in the National Portrait Gallery collection. Digital imaging specialists have created a 3D printed bust and life mask of Obama. Both were shown for the first time Wednesday at the first ever White House Maker Faire with a gathering of inventors and students. (AP Photo/Smithsonian Institution)
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