Art history has historically been concerned with the study of tangible items such as paintings, sculptures, and artefacts. However, artificial intelligence (AI) is already beginning to play a significant role in the industry, and it is transforming our understanding of art in a variety of ways.
One of the most significant ways AI is impacting art history is through assisting in the identification and authentication of artworks. Images of artworks may be analysed using AI to determine its style, materials, and procedures. This might be useful when the legitimacy of an artwork is questioned or determining the artist’s identity is challenging.
For example, artificial intelligence has been used to authenticate some paintings that were previously deemed to be forgeries. In one instance, AI was used to detect a forgery of a picture of Jesus Christ by comparing it to a database of recognised paintings of the same topic. In another occasion, AI was used to verify the authenticity of a Vincent van Gogh artwork that had been in a private collection for many years.
AI is being utilised to develop new information about art history, in addition to assisting in the authentication of artworks. AI may be used to find patterns and trends in massive databases of artworks. This can assist art historians better grasp the evolution of art across time, as well as the impact of different artists and civilizations on one another.
For example, AI was used to analyse a dataset of over 100,000 paintings to determine the most frequent painting styles in various nations. This study discovered considerable disparities in painting styles between nations, which may be used to trace the development of creative ideas and methods.
Artificial intelligence is also being utilised to generate new types of art. Art created by AI might be extremely accurate, abstract, or even bizarre. It may also be used to produce new sorts of interactive art that allow spectators to engage in the creating process.
For example, the AI system “DeepDream” may be used to generate aesthetically appealing and frequently dreamy pictures. The system analyses an image and recognises patterns and forms. It then employs these patterns to generate new visuals, which are frequently twisted and strange.
The application of artificial intelligence in art history is still in its early phases, but it is apparent that it has the potential to revolutionise the profession. AI is already being used to identify and authenticate artworks, as well as to develop new knowledge about art history and new forms of art. As AI technology advances, it is expected to play a larger role in the study of art history in the coming years.
In addition to the points mentioned above, AI is also being used in art history in a number of other ways, such as:
To help curators and collectors to select and manage artworks
Preservation is a paramount concern in the world of art, and AI steps in as a guardian. Art condition monitoring, a realm where AI excels, watches over artworks with a vigilant eye. It detects potential issues before they escalate, ensuring that each stroke and shade remains as pristine as the day it was created. This capability offers reassurance to those who cherish their collections and the custodians of cultural heritage.
