tech
February 7, 2026
AI analysis casts doubt on Van Eyck paintings in Italian and US museums
Tests on both versions of Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata were unable to detect brushstrokes of 15th-century master
TL;DR
- AI analysis by Art Recognition suggests two paintings, "Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata," in Philadelphia and Turin are unlikely to be by Jan van Eyck.
- The tests found "91% negative" for the Philadelphia version and "86% negative" for the Turin version regarding Van Eyck's brushstrokes.
- Art historians suggest these findings support the theory that the paintings are studio works, possibly indicating the existence of a lost original by Van Eyck.
- Art Recognition's previous analyses, including identifying fakes on eBay and questioning Rubens' "Samson and Delilah," have been noted for their accuracy.
- Jan van Eyck is revered for perfecting oil painting and his meticulous, naturalistic detail, but fewer than 20 of his works are universally accepted as his own.
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