Recent research from Valentine Figuroa at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) highlights the potential of machine learning to analyze extensive visual data, particularly in the realm of historical political economy. This study posits that artworks housed in museums and private collections hold significant, yet underexplored, insights into political history. Before employing computational methods to extract this data, a framework for understanding the information contained within these paintings is essential.
Establishing this framework involves examining how paintings encode various types of information and the assumptions necessary for their interpretation. Figuroa’s article outlines a structured approach, drawing from traditional humanities concerns, to assess the cultural transformations reflected in art. The research utilizes a database comprising 25,000 European paintings spanning from 1000 CE to the First World War.
Analyzing Cultural Shifts Through Art
The study identifies three distinct applications that utilize this extensive database to reveal different types of information conveyed through paintings. Each application focuses on a specific aspect of cultural transformation during the early-modern period.
The first application revisits the concept of a European “civilizing process.” This notion refers to the internalization of stricter behavioral norms that coincided with the expansion of state power. Figuroa examines paintings of meals to determine if they depict increasingly complex etiquette over time. This analysis aims to illustrate how societal norms evolved in tandem with political changes.
The second application investigates portraits to explore how political elites constructed their public images. This segment highlights a significant long-term transition from chivalric representations of men to more rational-bureaucratic depictions. By analyzing the imagery, Figuroa sheds light on the ways in which political figures have historically shaped their identities in accordance with contemporary social standards.
The third application focuses on documenting the process of secularization, measured through the proportion of religious paintings. This trend began before the Reformation and gained momentum in the years that followed. By examining the shift in themes represented in art, the research provides insights into the broader societal changes that accompanied the decline of religious influence in European culture.
Implications for Political History Research
Figuroa’s research emphasizes the importance of integrating art into the study of political history, suggesting that visual data can reveal significant patterns and trends that traditional historical texts may overlook. The findings underscore the need for interdisciplinary approaches that combine the humanities with modern computational techniques.
As machine learning continues to evolve, the potential for uncovering new narratives from historical artworks becomes increasingly promising. By establishing a framework for interpreting visual data, Figuroa paves the way for future research that could reshape our understanding of political and cultural history. This innovative approach not only enriches the field of political economy but also highlights the invaluable role that art plays in documenting human experience and societal evolution.
