Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 9,500+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
AI reveals that £71k 'copy' is a genuine Caravaggio
The Independent
|September 28, 2025
Artificial intelligence has concluded that a painting dismissed by Sotheby’s and the Metropolitan Museum of Art as a copy is, in fact, by Caravaggio.
The 17th-century Baroque master, full name Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, is one of the most revered artists in history. Only a few dozen of the Italian painter's works have survived.
A new work can now be added to that list, according to scientific analysis, which has determined that The Lute Player - bought for Badminton House in Gloucestershire in the 18th century - is by Caravaggio, with a probability of 85.7 per cent.
“Everything over 80 per cent is very high,” said Dr Cardina Popovici, the head of Art Recognition, the Swiss company specialising in artwork authentication that carried out the study in collaboration with the University of Liverpool and other partners.
The tests showed a strong match with authenticated paintings, as reported by The Guardian.
This story is from the September 28, 2025 edition of The Independent.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Independent
The Independent
AI reveals that £71k 'copy' is a genuine Caravaggio
Artificial intelligence has concluded that a painting dismissed by Sotheby’s and the Metropolitan Museum of Art as a copy is, in fact, by Caravaggio.
2 mins
September 28, 2025
The Independent
Russia has no intentions to attack Europe, says Lavrov
As new tensions rise between Russia and Nato powers, Moscow's top diplomat insisted to world leaders yesterday that his nation doesn't intend to attack Europe but will mount a “decisive response” to any aggression.
2 mins
September 28, 2025
The Independent
Revised growth forecast leaves Reeves in trouble
Chancellor under pressure to hike income tax at Budget
4 mins
September 28, 2025
The Independent
Two women die attempting to cross English Channel
Two women have died during an attempt to cross the Channel, French authorities have said.
1 mins
September 28, 2025
The Independent
Over dim sum, we predict that Starmer will stride on
The Peter Mandelson Memorial Dim Sum Supper Club met in emergency session last night, prompted by our hero's third fall from grace.
4 mins
September 28, 2025
The Independent
Ryder Cup fans get raucous as Europe takes strong lead
You know the golf's probably got a little out of hand when the police are called. Men with hats and guns emerged through the trees to the fourth green like they were quashing an insurgency.
3 mins
September 28, 2025
The Independent
Chancellor faces a fight to duck blame for tax hikes
Rachel Reeves will have to engage in a major pre-Budget spin operation at the Labour conference in Liverpool over the next few days. The chancellor wants to persuade the nation that, when she raises taxes in November, it will not be her fault.
3 mins
September 28, 2025
The Independent
SHOT IN THE DARK
An insistence on realism over viewer comfort has made many new shows too murky - much to the chagrin of Nick Hilton
4 mins
September 28, 2025
The Independent
Politics? Power plays at the school gate are more ruthless
The French president Emmanuel Macron was left to fend for himself on the streets of New York City this week, after his car was stopped so that Donald Trump's motorcade could pass.
3 mins
September 28, 2025
The Independent
East or West? Stark choice as Moldovans face key vote
Moldovans will head to the polls today for a parliamentary election fraught with claims of Russian interference.
4 mins
September 28, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size