Revolutionizing art authentication, Aracne, a groundbreaking software developed by the University of Seville and the Museo Nacional del Prado, harnesses science and technology to transform the way we understand and interpret artworks.
Aracne, a groundbreaking art authentication software developed by the University of Seville and the Museo Nacional del Prado, promises to revolutionize the field of art analysis. By harnessing the power of science and technology, this innovative tool is set to transform the way we understand and interpret artworks.
In Greek mythology, Arachne was a mortal weaver who challenged the goddess Athena to a weaving contest.
The story goes that Arachne's tapestries were so exquisite that “she was a master weaver”, “her creations were unparalleled in beauty and skill”, Athena, disguised as an old woman, revealed her true identity and destroyed Arachne's creations in anger.
As punishment, Athena turned Arachne into a spider, condemning her to spin forever.
This mythological tale has been retold and reinterpreted throughout history, symbolizing the dangers of pride and hubris.
The Birth of Aracne
At the heart of Aracne lies a simple yet ingenious idea: analyzing the fabric used in easel painting to determine provenance and relationships between artworks. This approach may seem straightforward, but it has been a long time coming. Until now, art authentication relied heavily on traditional techniques such as X-ray analysis, which had its limitations.
Dr. Laura Alba, lead developer of Aracne, explains that the impetus for creating this software came from her work in the Technical Study of Artworks Department at the Prado. Her team had been using X-rays to analyze canvases, but she recognized the need for a more advanced methodology. The development of Aracne was made possible by earlier results in automatic thread counting and collaboration with Dr. Juan José Murillo, who developed the software.
How Aracne Works
So, how does this revolutionary tool work? To use Aracne, users simply upload a 1:1 scale image of the artwork, which must feature visible fabric. The program then applies frequency analysis to automate thread counting and power spectral density (PSD) analysis to typify the entire canvas. These two tools provide a wealth of data that allows specialists to identify the fabric by counting vertical and horizontal threads, analyzing distribution histograms, measuring inclination, generating PSD graphics, and more.
The Name Behind the Software
The name Aracne is indeed inspired by Greek mythology, specifically the fascinating painting ‘The Spinners‘ by Velázquez. According to Dr. Alba, the team was drawn to this mythological origin because it represented a turning point in art history – just as Aracne’s story marked a shift from human pride to humility.
Diego Velázquez was a Spanish painter born in Seville, Spain in 1599.
He is considered one of the greatest painters of all time, known for his mastery of light and shadow.
Velázquez's works often depicted everyday life, including scenes from royal courts to domestic interiors.
His most famous painting, 'Las Meninas,' showcases his innovative use of perspective and composition.
The artist served as the royal court painter to King Philip IV of Spain, creating numerous portraits of the monarch and his family.
Results and Future Directions
Since its release, Aracne has yielded significant results in the attribution, dating, and provenance of artworks. By comparing canvases precisely and clearly, researchers have been able to determine whether they come from the same piece of fabric or were cut side by side. This information is crucial for understanding the relationships between artworks and their creators.
Aracne has already enabled researchers to attribute previously disputed works and date paintings with greater accuracy. For example, it was used to place the creation of Rubens‘ ‘Adam and Eve’ in Madrid and attribute Velázquez‘s ‘The Artillery General’ to Herrera el Mozo instead of Francisco Rizzi.
A New Era for Art History
While Aracne may not change art history overnight, its potential is vast. By making high-quality art authentication data freely available, researchers can collaborate across institutions and disciplines, advancing our collective knowledge of art history. As Dr. Alba notes, Aracne’s future is promising, with the possibility that it could transform the field of art analysis forever.
The Future of Art Research
As we look to the future, it’s clear that Aracne represents a significant turning point in art research. By harnessing the power of science and technology, researchers can unlock new insights into artworks and their creators. Whether you’re an art historian or simply someone interested in understanding the world around us, Aracne offers a glimpse into a brighter future for art analysis.
Collaboration and Open Access
One of the most significant aspects of Aracne is its commitment to open access. Both Dr. Alba and her colleagues believe that making this software freely available will facilitate collaboration across institutions and disciplines, driving innovation in art research.
By providing a new tool for studying canvases in depth, Aracne offers unique opportunities for researchers to work together and advance our understanding of art history. As we move forward, it’s clear that Aracne will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of art analysis.
