Science Visualized Computing

Computer program reveals artists’ influences

Algorithm deciphers a painting's style by contents, composition, brushstroke

paintings by Frédéric Bazille and Norman Rockwell

A new computer program was able to detect a subtle link between paintings by Frédéric Bazille (left) and Norman Rockwell (right).

Wikimedia Commons; Shuffleton’s Barbershop © SEPS by Curtis licensing, Norman Rockwell Museum Digital Collection

By Meghan Rosen

- More than 2 years ago

Computers have become budding art historians. A new program can figure out a particular painting’s style — whether it’s abstract, impressionist or Baroque, for example — and tease out possible influences on the artists.