Discover the Surprising Secret AI Unearthed in a Renowned Raphael Masterpiece!

Artificial intelligence (AI) is uncovering hidden details in art, proving even the masters aren’t infallible. Recently, an AI neural network revealed a surprising discovery: a face in Raphael’s painting, Madonna della Rosa, wasn’t created by Raphael after all.

The painting features St. Joseph in the top left, and experts have long debated its authenticity. While determining an artwork’s origins usually requires extensive evidence, this AI-driven analysis suggests that some strokes may belong to another artist.

Researchers from the UK and the US developed an innovative algorithm that examines Raphael’s known works to identify his unique style. “Using deep feature analysis, we trained the computer to detect subtle details, from brushstrokes to color choices,” explained mathematician Hassan Ugail from the University of Bradford. This method excels because computers can analyze details at levels the human eye can’t.

Interestingly, machine learning typically relies on vast datasets, which can be tough to gather for individual artists. The team adapted a Microsoft model and combined it with a traditional technique called Support Vector Machine to enhance accuracy. Their method has a proven 98% success rate in identifying Raphael’s works, even down to individual facial features.

While Raphael’s Madonna, Child, and St. John are confirmed creations of the master, St. Joseph tells a different story. His face seemed less refined than the others, causing speculation over its authenticity for years. The AI confirmed this suspicion by marking St. Joseph as likely not an original Raphael creation.

Some believe Giulio Romano, one of Raphael’s pupils, may have painted St. Joseph, though this remains uncertain. This instance illustrates how AI technology is gradually revealing the secrets of historical art.

Experts estimate that the Madonna della Rosa was painted between 1518 and 1520. In the mid-1800s, art critics began questioning whether Raphael had painted every part of the work. Now, modern technology appears to validate those doubts, but the researchers stress that AI is simply a tool to aid art historians, not replace them. “This process requires careful examination of many aspects, like provenance and materials,” Ugail noted.

Recent studies show that a growing number of art pieces are being re-examined through AI analysis, providing deeper insights into their origins. As the journey of this painting reveals, technology plays a vital role in enhancing our understanding of art history.

The research findings were published in Heritage Science.

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