AI Authentication Reveals £71,000 Painting Is Authentic Caravaggio, Overturning Previous Doubts
London, 27 September 2025: A painting initially dismissed by prestigious art institutions as a mere copy has now been authenticated as an original work by the Baroque master Caravaggio, thanks to pioneering artificial intelligence analysis.
The artwork, previously valued at around £71,000 and rejected by Sotheby’s auction house and the Metropolitan Museum, has undergone a fresh evaluation using advanced AI technology. This analysis, conducted recently, concluded the painting bears the unmistakable hallmarks of Caravaggio’s hand, suggesting it is an authentic piece and not a reproduction or forgery, overturning decades of expert skepticism.
Caravaggio, an Italian painter active in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, is renowned for his dramatic realism and mastery of chiaroscuro – the interplay of light and shadow. His original works are exceedingly rare and highly coveted, often commanding tens of millions of pounds at auction.
Background and Controversy
The painting in question had been stored and overlooked in private collections and smaller galleries because major art experts believed it was a copy. Sotheby’s and the Metropolitan Museum, two of the most respected authorities in the art world, had examined the piece and dismissed its authenticity based on conventional techniques and stylistic assessments.
However, in recent years, the emergence of artificial intelligence tools capable of analyzing brushwork, pigment composition, and stylistic nuances with extraordinary precision has begun to revolutionize art authentication. This painting became a test case for these technologies.
AI-Driven Discovery
The AI system analyzed high-resolution images of the painting, cross-referencing subtle details against a comprehensive database of Caravaggio’s known works, including their brushstroke patterns, pigment use, and layering techniques. The AI flagged the painting as consistent with Caravaggio’s documented methodology.
Dr. Elena Moretti, an art historian specializing in Baroque art, commented, “This AI analysis opens new doors for discovering lost masterpieces. It is a powerful tool that complements traditional expertise, helping us revisit and possibly rewrite art history.”
The identification has already sparked renewed interest among collectors, historians, and museums, with discussions underway regarding its future exhibition and valuation.
Implications for the Art World
This case illustrates the increasing integration of cutting-edge technology in the arts. By supplementing human expertise with AI-driven data analysis, previously overlooked or misattributed artworks can receive fair and accurate recognition.
Moreover, this success story encourages both public and private collectors to reconsider the attribution of artworks in their possessions and highlights the potential for discovering hidden cultural treasures.
While skepticism around AI interpretations remains in some quarters, experts agree that when used judiciously alongside conventional methodologies, AI represents a significant advancement in the authentication and preservation of art.
The full details of the AI’s methodology and findings are expected to be published in an upcoming art conservation journal, promising transparency and peer review of this groundbreaking identification.