Ongoing advancements in machine learning are redefining how large-scale visual data can be analyzed, particularly in the realm of historical political economy. According to Valentine Figuroa from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), paintings from museums and private collections offer a valuable, yet largely unexploited, source of information regarding historical contexts. Figuroa emphasizes the need for a systematic approach to interpret the data encoded in these artworks before computational methods can be effectively employed.
The article presents a new framework that aims to assess the information embedded within paintings, grounded in traditional humanities concerns. This framework utilizes a comprehensive database of 25,000 European paintings, spanning from 1000 CE to the First World War. By focusing on different aspects of the visual data, Figuroa highlights three distinct applications that showcase how art can inform our understanding of cultural transformations during the early-modern period.
Exploring the Civilizing Process Through Art
The first application revisits the concept of the European “civilizing process,” which describes the internalization of more stringent behavioral norms alongside the expansion of state power. Figuroa examines paintings depicting meals to determine whether they reflect increasingly complex etiquette over time. This investigation not only sheds light on social norms but also illustrates how art can serve as a historical document that captures the evolution of cultural practices.
Portraits and the Evolution of Political Imagery
The second application focuses on portraits, analyzing how political elites have historically constructed their public personas. Figuroa notes a significant long-term shift in these representations, moving from chivalric depictions to more rational-bureaucratic portrayals of men. This transformation signifies a broader change in societal values and expectations regarding leadership and authority.
The third application explores the process of secularization as reflected in the share of religious paintings. This trend began prior to the Reformation and accelerated in the years that followed. By documenting this shift, Figuroa illustrates how art can provide insights into the changing religious landscape of Europe, emphasizing the profound cultural shifts that characterized the period.
As machine learning continues to evolve, the potential for art to serve as a powerful tool in understanding political history becomes increasingly evident. Figuroa’s work underscores the importance of developing robust frameworks for analyzing visual data, allowing historians and researchers to unlock the rich narratives embedded in artworks. This innovative approach not only enriches the field of political economy but also revitalizes the study of art history by highlighting its relevance in contemporary discourse.
The implications of this research extend beyond academia, offering a fresh lens through which to view the past and encouraging a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay between art, culture, and politics.
