Recent advances in laser scanning technology allow for fast and efficient 3D documentation of cultural heritage artefacts and statues. The advantages are more evident when the objects are of large size and comprise complex surfaces and fine details. There is therefore a need to address clearly all the practical difficulties and issues that one has to consider when using this technology for the documentation of large archaeological statues. This paper describes a number of specific issues, from data capturing procedures to data management and processing, raised in a project aimed in producing a geometrically accurate 3D model of the ancient statue of Hermes by Praxiteles. Finally, results from the 3D solid model of the statue are also provided.

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