According to the research, the original composition depicted Philip de Wignacourt – brother of the Grand Master of the Order of Malta – and was later transformed into the figure of Archimedes through the collaboration of the master with Mario Minniti, Caravaggio’s close collaborator and assistant.

The artwork underwent extensive technical examination, including X-ray analysis, infrared reflectography, hyperspectral imaging, pigment analysis, and artificial intelligence-assisted deep learning evaluation.
 

Technical reports prepared by Dr. Roberta Lapucci, Dr. Alessandra Gregori, and Professor Hassan Ugail of the University of Bradford indicate Caravaggio’s authorship in the key sections of the painting.
 

Of particular significance is the discovery of an earlier composition beneath the visible paint layers, revealing traces of a Medusa motif – one of Caravaggio’s most iconic subjects. Scientific analysis also identified materials characteristic of the artist’s workshop, such as fragments of quartz embedded within the paint layers, as well as hidden codes and numerical markings concealed between successive layers of paint. The examination further revealed multiple historical repaintings that gradually transformed the original military portrait into the symbolic figure of Archimedes – scholar, philosopher, and legendary defender of Syracuse.

The painting underwent comprehensive
technical examination, including:

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–   infrared analysis,

–   ultraviolet analysis,

–   X-ray examination,

–   hyperspectral camera tests,

–   paint and canvas examination,

–   XRF analysis,

–   digital microscopy,

–   paint analysis using an electron  microscope (EDS),

–   technical comparisons.

Based on the results of these analyses, Dr. Roberta Lapucci prepared a technical report and an art-historical analysis, confirming Caravaggio’s authorship. Additional authorship confirmation and valuation of the painting were handled by Dr. Alessandra Gregori.

 

The painting was also analyzed using a deep learning algorithm conducted by Professor Hassan Ugail of the University of Bradford.