A.I. Analysis Suggests 16th-Century Sketch May Depict Anne Boleyn's Mother Instead
A 16th-Century Sketch of Anne Boleyn More Likely Depicted Her Mother, an A.I. Analysis Finds

Image: The New York Times
A recent study using computational facial recognition suggests that a 16th-century sketch attributed to Hans Holbein the Younger, initially thought to depict Anne Boleyn, may actually represent her mother. The analysis reveals discrepancies in appearance and historical context, casting doubt on the sketch's identification.
- 01The sketch measures approximately 11 inches by 8 inches and is part of a collection at Windsor Castle.
- 02The inscription identifying the subject as 'Anna Bollein Queen' was added in the 18th century, raising doubts about its authenticity.
- 03The woman in the sketch is described as blonde and substantial, contrasting sharply with historical accounts of Anne Boleyn, who was dark-haired and slender.
- 04The study was co-authored by Karen L. Davies, an independent historian, and David G. Stork, a computer scientist from Stanford University.
- 05The research highlights the intersection of art history and computer science in analyzing historical artworks.
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Recent research published in npj Heritage Science has utilized computational facial recognition to analyze a 16th-century sketch attributed to the artist Hans Holbein the Younger. This sketch, measuring approximately 11 inches by 8 inches, is part of a collection at Windsor Castle and bears an inscription claiming it depicts Anne Boleyn. However, independent historian Karen L. Davies argues that the inscription was added in the 18th century, long after the sketch was created, which raises significant doubts about its authenticity. Moreover, the woman depicted in the sketch is portrayed as blonde and of substantial build, which contradicts historical descriptions of Anne Boleyn as dark-haired and slender. Davies likens the sketch's provenance to a family photo album that has been mixed up over generations. The study underscores the collaboration between art history and computer science, with contributions from David G. Stork, a computer scientist at Stanford University, emphasizing the potential of technology in historical analysis.
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