Thanks to artificial intelligence, researchers have been able to better understand x-rays taken of the Ghent Altarpiece, a two-sided piece of art. Typically, x-ray images of artwork can reveal structural issues or damage to the art, but since this piece was two-sided, it was difficult for researchers to decipher on their own. In future, AI technology like this could be used to reveal deeper layers to works of art.

“The new method has only been used on two of the altarpiece’s panels so far, but is expected to assist in the further study of the famous work. Moving forward, it could also make it easier to identify covered-up compositions on reused canvases, or changes an artist made during a work’s creation.”