3D-printed David replica to represent Italy at Expo 2020 Dubai

A faithful 3D-printed marble replica of Michelangelo's David, standing 520 cm tall including a 108 cm base, will represent Italy at Expo 2020 Dubai. The reproduction, created using high-tech 3D printing and retouched by expert restorers to mimic the original marble patina, will be housed in the Italy Pavilion. The digital copy will be stored in a database at the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence to aid future conservation simulations. The article, written by lawyer Silvia Stabile, also discusses legal and ethical issues surrounding 3D printing of cultural heritage, including intellectual property rights, copyright, trademark, and civil liability. It notes that direct casting of cultural goods is generally prohibited except under exceptional conditions regulated by Italian law (DM 20 April 2005), requiring authorization from the Ministry of Culture and technical evaluations by restoration institutes. The replica was produced in full compliance with regulations and respect for the original sculpture.