Seeking Raphael: The analysis of the de Brécy Tondo – a talk at Bradford’s Cartwright Hall

Visitors will be able to discover the secrets of the de Brécy Tondo, at a talk taking place on Saturday 18 November from 2pm to 3.30pm at Bradford Council’s Cartwright Hall.

The event is free but booking is essential. Call Cartwright Hall reception on 01274 431212 to book your place.

The de Brécy Tondo has been the subject of research and debate for more than 40 years thanks to its resemblance to Raphael’s Sistine Madonna. Recent analysis using artificial intelligence-assisted computer-based facial recognition showed the faces in the paintings are identical to those in Raphael’s famous altarpiece.

Professors Hassan Ugail and Howell Edwards from the University of Bradford will speak about their research analysing the painting.

The talk will complement the current loan of the de Brécy Tondo which is on display in the sculpture court at Cartwright Hall. It will explain the investigative work that is being carried out at the University of Bradford into the secret life of the painting.

The two professors who have been working with this painting will describe and explain the analytical techniques they have applied to the Tondo painting. This is with the aim of having the painting formally attributed to the Renaissance master, Raphael.

Howell Edwards, Emeritus Professor of Molecular Spectroscopy at the University of Bradford, will speak about the test work undertaken to identify the pigments, binders and support materials of the painting.

Professor Hassan Ugail, a professor of visual computing at the Faculty of Engineering and Informatics at the University of Bradford, will talk about his work developing an Artificial Intelligence programme that can look deep into the structure of the painting in minute detail and compare the Tondo with authenticated works of Raphael.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “The artwork has received really positive feedback from visitors to Cartwright Hall, so I’m delighted that we are able to host this event giving a fascinating in depth insight into the work that has been undertaken on this intriguing artwork.”

The de Brécy Tondo is on display at Cartwright Hall until 3 January 2024 More information here: https://bradfordmuseums.org/events/tondo-cartwright-hall/

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