Mahler’s model of prehistoric sculpture appears on History Channel
Posted on May 15, 2008 by Suzanne Ramsey
A digital, three-dimensional model made by Sweet Briar’s director of network services appears in the History Channel’s “Clash of the Cavemen.” The show, which premiered Sunday, May 11, briefly features Aaron Mahler’s model of the Venus of Willendorf.
The Venus of Willendorf is an ancient limestone statue of a full-figured prehistoric woman. Using a 3D modeling and animation system called modo, Mahler originally made the model for a podcast on the Venus that is being produced by SBC art history professor Christopher Witcombe.
“[The History Channel] contacted Chris Witcombe since he’s a known authority on the Venus when they were seeking better photos of it,” Mahler wrote in an e-mail. “He mentioned the model I was building and they asked if they could see it.
“They liked it, asked for a still frame they could use that looked as photographic as possible and I provided them with one.”
The episode will re-air at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 17; 9 p.m. Monday, May 26; and 1 a.m. Tuesday, May 27. For more information, visit the History Channel’s Web site.
The Venus of Willendorf is an ancient limestone statue of a full-figured prehistoric woman. Using a 3D modeling and animation system called modo, Mahler originally made the model for a podcast on the Venus that is being produced by SBC art history professor Christopher Witcombe.
“[The History Channel] contacted Chris Witcombe since he’s a known authority on the Venus when they were seeking better photos of it,” Mahler wrote in an e-mail. “He mentioned the model I was building and they asked if they could see it.
“They liked it, asked for a still frame they could use that looked as photographic as possible and I provided them with one.”
The episode will re-air at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 17; 9 p.m. Monday, May 26; and 1 a.m. Tuesday, May 27. For more information, visit the History Channel’s Web site.
