AI uncovers secret: Saint Joseph’s face not Raphael's work

AI has the ability to surprise us and analyze data that often goes unnoticed by the human mind. By using algorithms, it was discovered that one of the figures in Raphael Sanzio's painting "Madonna della Rosa" was not created by the Italian master, specifically, the face of Saint Joseph. This revelation has piqued the interest of researchers who have long debated the authenticity of this piece.

Raphael Sanzio, also known as Raffaello Sanzio, was an exceptional Italian painter and architect of the Renaissance, born in 1483 in Urbino. Alongside Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, he is considered one of the three greatest masters of the Italian Renaissance. He is renowned for his extraordinary sense of harmony, composition, and the beauty of the human form, as exemplified by his famous Madonnas and monumental frescoes in the Vatican.

A team of scientists from the United Kingdom and the USA developed an algorithm based on known works by Raphael Sanzio, enabling the computer to recognize the master's style with great precision. As explained by mathematician Hassan Ugail from the University of Bradford, AI analyzes works at a microscopic level, which allows for precise recognition of the painter's characteristic features.

Analysis showed that the faces of the Madonna, Child, and Saint John were by the famous creator. However, during the analysis, AI confirmed that while the faces of the Madonna and Child are indeed by Raphael, Saint Joseph's face did not match the master's style. Art historians have long debated who authored this part of the work. Modern technology confirmed that part of the painting is less refined and does not fully convey the artist's skill.

One potential author of Saint Joseph's face is Giulio Romano, a student of Raphael. Although there is no certainty about the authorship, AI offers new evidence in this matter.

Researchers emphasize that AI will not replace experts, but it can be a valuable tool in the process of authenticating works of art. They assert that artificial intelligence is meant to assist in research but cannot replace the insight of specialists. The computer conducts image analyses at a microscopic level, enabling the identification of details that are invisible to the human eye. This technology makes it possible to detect elements that often escape human attention, allowing for more accurate examination and evaluation of paintings. Such technology is invaluable in many fields of science and medicine.