Advancements in machine learning are transforming how researchers analyze vast visual datasets, particularly within the realm of political history. Valentine Figuroa from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) proposes a new framework for interpreting historical paintings, suggesting that artworks from museums and private collections hold valuable yet underutilized insights into the political and cultural dynamics of their time.
To effectively apply computational methods to this rich repository, Figuroa emphasizes the importance of establishing criteria for evaluating the information embedded in paintings. This framework incorporates longstanding concerns from traditional humanities, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the visual data.
Exploring Three Key Applications
Using a comprehensive database of 25,000 European paintings spanning from 1000 CE to the First World War, Figuroa outlines three distinct applications that utilize this data to explore significant cultural transformations during the early modern period. Each application focuses on a specific type of information conveyed through the artworks, including depicted content, communicative intent, and incidental information.
The first application revisits the concept of a European “civilizing process.” This notion refers to the internalization of stricter social norms that coincided with the expansion of state authority. Figuroa examines paintings of meals to assess whether they illustrate increasingly elaborate etiquette over time. The findings could provide insights into how changing societal norms were reflected in everyday practices.
The second application investigates portraits to analyze how political elites constructed their public personas. By examining the evolution from chivalric to rational-bureaucratic representations, this research highlights a significant shift in how men were portrayed in the public eye, reflecting broader changes in societal values and governance.
The third application tracks a longstanding process of secularization within European art. By measuring the proportion of religious paintings over time, Figuroa documents a trend that began before the Reformation and intensified in its aftermath. This shift may reveal how societal attitudes toward religion transformed during a pivotal period in European history.
Implications for Historical Analysis
Figuroa’s work demonstrates the potential of integrating advanced computational techniques with traditional art historical analysis. By interpreting paintings as data, researchers can gain insights into the political and cultural shifts that shaped Europe over centuries. This innovative approach not only enriches our understanding of historical narratives but also paves the way for future studies combining visual culture with political economy.
In summary, the intersection of art and data offers a promising avenue for uncovering the complexities of political history. As researchers like Figuroa continue to refine these methodologies, the potential for new discoveries in the field of historical analysis expands significantly.
