Between Michelangelo and the Holy Shroud: artificial intelligence and its miracles

Abstract

This study examines the implications of a discrete presence of the Shroud of Turin in the work of Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564). With the use of a new artificial intelligence model, it was possible to construct evidence that points to a probable link between the greatest sacred artist in history and the greatest of sacred relics. One such piece of evidence reveals a striking similarity (and combination of details) between the face of Christ in a painting made to a design by Michelangelo and the face of the Shroud. The painting examined is by one of his illustrious disciples, Marcello Venusti, while the original drawing is the "Christ at Prayer in the Garden of Olives", preserved in the Uffizi in Florence. The very high correspondence is also confirmed by other versions by Venusti.