Researchers in the UK have made significant strides in art history using artificial intelligence to identify a previously unknown subject in a drawing by renowned Northern Renaissance artist Hans Holbein. Their findings, published in the journal npj Heritage Science, suggest that the unidentified figure is none other than Anne Boleyn, while another drawing previously thought to depict Boleyn is actually a portrait of her mother, Elizabeth Howard.
Holbein, originally from Germany, moved to England during the European Reformation, where he became a prominent portrait artist in the Tudor court, working under the patronage of figures such as Oliver Cromwell and Henry VIII. His captivating works have left an indelible mark on art history.
The artworks in question, Anne Boleyn and An Unidentified Woman, are part of the Royal Collection Trust, which houses approximately 85 drawings by Holbein. Notably, only 30 of these drawings feature subjects that have been clearly identified, leading historians to rely on 18th-century inscriptions for identification.
In their groundbreaking study, historian Karen L. Davies collaborated with Professor Hassan Ugail from the University of Bradford. Utilizing advanced computational facial recognition techniques, they compared the features of Holbein's drawings to arrive at their conclusions. Their research revealed that the supposed likeness of Boleyn did not align with contemporary descriptions, which depict her as slender with dark hair, contrasting with the portrait's features.
To resolve this inconsistency, Ugail analyzed the entire collection of Holbein's drawings, creating a comprehensive matrix to cluster similar images. This innovative approach led to the suggestion that the portrait once thought to be Boleyn is, in fact, her mother's likeness. Davies emphasized that her goal is to stimulate discussion and reassessment of historical attributions rather than making definitive claims.
Interestingly, the Royal Collection Trust acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the identification of Boleyn in their description of the portrait, attributing it to a later inscription. They also note that the nightgown depicted resembles one given to Boleyn by Henry VIII, adding another layer of intrigue to the portrait's narrative.
This pioneering application of AI in art history not only sheds light on the past but also opens new avenues for future research, potentially transforming our understanding of historical figures and their representations in art.