MADRID.- The world-renowned Prado Museum in Madrid is taking a novel approach to engaging art enthusiasts by using artificial intelligence to "count" the stories within its vast collection. In a new initiative called "Counting the Prado," the museum has partnered with Spanish AI startup Sherpa.ai to develop technology that can identify and enumerate the various elements within selected artworks, from people and animals to objects and even other paintings depicted.


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The project aims to offer a fresh perspective on familiar masterpieces by focusing on the sheer quantity of figures or items within them. By leveraging AI to perform these counts, the Prado is then posing intriguing questions to the public on its social media platforms, encouraging a closer look and a new appreciation for the details often overlooked.

For example, the museum is asking questions like: If the figures in David Teniers the Younger's painting of Archduke Leopold Wilhelm's picture gallery were to divide the depicted canvases, how many would each person get? Or, in Goya's sketch of the Meadow of San Isidro, how many figures would need to be removed to meet a hypothetical maximum capacity? Another question focuses on the legendary 11,000 virgins accompanying Saint Ursula in a 15th-century painting, prompting viewers to guess how many figures the artist actually depicted.

The Prado explains that "Counting the Prado" seeks to creatively and universally enhance the understanding of its collection by highlighting details where quantity, repetition, or large gatherings are central to the artwork's theme. This new lens allows viewers to consider parades, festivals, and other crowded scenes from a numerical standpoint.

Sherpa.ai, the technology partner in this endeavor, has developed an AI system capable of accurately counting various elements within the Prado's permanent collection. The museum is using the insights gained from this technology to craft engaging social media posts that invite reflection and discussion among art lovers.

This innovative project not only offers a fun and interactive way for the public to connect with art history but also showcases the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance museum experiences and make collections more accessible. By prompting curiosity and encouraging close observation, the Prado hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation for the stories held within its iconic paintings.



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