AI Helps Recover Painting Stolen 20 Years Ago

Italy’s police unit responsible for protecting cultural heritage has successfully completed another operation. A valuable painting stolen approximately 20 years ago from a church in the Italian city of Sulmona was discovered at an antiques fair in Parma. The 17th-century artwork depicts Saint Agnes of Rome.

Interestingly, the criminals had made significant alterations to the painting in an attempt to conceal its original appearance. However, modern technology helped uncover the deception. Law enforcement authorities use a specialized artificial intelligence system called “Swoads” to track down stolen historical and cultural treasures.

Statistics also demonstrate the system’s effectiveness. Since November 2023, the AI-powered program has reportedly helped recover more than 300 major works of art worth over €203 million, as well as approximately 165,000 coins, medals and manuscripts.

The algorithm analyzes color variations, artistic features and even the smallest distinguishing details of artworks at a microscopic level. Its main advantage is its ability to recognize an original painting even after it has been altered. Italian specialists are now planning to expand international cooperation in this field and establish a more advanced global system for tracking cultural treasures by 2027.