What was the true face of Caligula, Nero or Augustus like? Artist achieves impressive reconstruction of the faces of Roman emperors

Using a neural network tool, called Artbreeder, plus Photoshop and historical references, Canadian digital artist Daniel Voshart produced impressive recreations of what the faces of some of the most famous Roman emperors.

Voshart christened them “photorealistic portraits “. “For this project, I have transformed or restored (wrinkles, noses, ears, etc.) 800 busts images to make the 54 emperors of the Principality (period in the history of the High Roman Empire that goes from the rise of Octavian Augustus, in the year 27 BC until year 235 AD). ”, explains the digital artist on his blog.

The project includes the emperors Caligula, Nero and Hadrian , among others, that despite the fact that they died 2,000 years ago, their faces have been preserved in many sculptures.

However, despite the accuracy that these works in stone, bronze and marble could have, none can accurately convey what the true faces of these emperors were like.

To overcome this difficulty, Voshart, who is director of photography and designer of virtual reality used machine learning (computer algorithms that learn through experience) in a neural network, a computer system that processes information through hierarchies of nodes They communicate in a similar way to neurons in a brain.

In that neural network, called Artbreeder, the algorithms analyzed around 800 busts to model facial shapes, features, hair and skin as realistic as possible, to which they then added vivid colors.

“The main technology behind Artbreeder is its generative adversary network (GAN). Some call it artificial intelligence, but it is more accurately described as machine learning, ”says the artist.

Next, Voshart fine-tuned the models generated by these two programs, adding details drawn from coins, works of art, and written descriptions of the emperors in historical texts, to make portraits really come to life.

Despite all the effort, Voshart knows that his work may have some limitations.

“Artistic performances are, by their nature, more art than science, but I have made an effort to cross-reference their appearance (hair, eyes, ethnicity, etc.) to historical texts and coins. I have endeavored to age them according to the year of death: its appearance before any serious illness ”, the artist explains on his blog.