AI contradicts art experts by suggesting Caravaggio 'copy' is real

He is one of the most revered artists in western art, yet just a few dozen works by Caravaggio have survived.

- Dalya Alberge

Now the 17th-century master's hand has been confirmed in a painting that Sotheby's and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York had dismissed as a mere copy.

Scientific analysis of The Lute Player, which was bought for Badminton House in Gloucestershire in the 18th century, has concluded it is by Caravaggio, with 85.7% probability.

Tests involving artificial intelligence showed a “strong match” with verified paintings. The study was conducted by Art Recognition, a Swiss specialist in authenticating artworks, collaborating on research with Liverpool University among others.

Its chief executive, Carina Popovici, told the Guardian: “Everything over 80% is very high.”

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio is considered a revolutionary among artists, revered for his radical use of light and dark - chiaroscuro - and the realism of his compositions.