AI Unravels Centuries-Old Raphael Painting Mysteries

Bradford AI Studies Raphael's Distinct Brushstrokes and Color Choices

The Madonna della Rosa painting has puzzled art experts for centuries, unsure if it was fully painted by Renaissance master Raphael or if parts were done by his workshop. An artificial intelligence algorithm developed at the University of Bradford has now solved the mystery after extensively analyzing Raphael's artistic style.

The AI algorithm was trained on 49 undisputed Raphael works, learning the minute details of his color palette, brushstrokes, hues and more. It can now authenticate Raphael's work with 98% accuracy. When tested on the Madonna della Rosa, the AI concluded that most of the painting is authentic Raphael, but the face of Joseph was done by another artist. This supports theories that Joseph looked out of place in the overall composition.

AI Also Weighs In On Debates Over Other Raphael Works

The researchers also used the AI to study the debated Haddo Madonna painting. Long thought to be by a minor Renaissance artist, some experts now argue it was painted by Raphael himself. The Bradford AI backs this assessment, determining the Haddo Madonna is likely an authentic Raphael.

Previously, the same AI technology matched the de Brécy Tondo painting to Raphael's style, suggesting it too is an original Raphael work despite debates over its origins.

While art historians have been cautious about AI authentication, lead researcher Hassan Ugail believes it can become a useful tool along with traditional techniques like studying provenance. The AI provides an impartial, detailed analysis that human experts cannot match. Ugail stresses the technology does not replace connoisseurship, but rather enhances art analysis.

Hot Take: After centuries of uncertainty, AI is helping solve art history's biggest attribution mysteries. Raphael's true oeuvre may be larger than previously thought thanks to algorithmic authentication.