ARACNE 2.0 is a knowledge transfer and scientific advisory project developed by the Signal Processing and Communications Group (GAPSC) at the University of Seville in collaboration with the Museo Nacional del Prado.

Funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (FECYT) under the 2025 Public Innovation Culture Call, the project aims to modernize and expand ARACNE, an advanced image-processing software tool designed to analyze canvas supports in historic artworks.

Key Objectives & Innovation

Since 2013, the collaboration between US and the Prado Museum has pioneered automated thread counting, weave density mapping, and spectral density “fingerprinting” of canvas supports. This non-destructive technology assists art historians and conservators in assessing canvas conservation states, identifying stitched sections, and discovering critical insights regarding artwork dating, attribution, and workshop practices (e.g., in works by Rubens, Velázquez, or Anguissola).

ARACNE 2.0 will upgrade the tool by:

  • Modernizing Software Architecture: Re-building the graphical user interface (GUI) to optimize cross-platform compatibility (Windows and macOS) and computational performance.
  • Enhanced Image Pre-processing: Implementing improved contrast and dynamic range algorithms to maximize analysis success rates.
  • Artificial Intelligence Integration: Exploring lightweight Deep Learning models (GPUs) for automated crossing-point detection and thread counting.
  • Standardization & Training: Delivering open tools, user manuals, and specialized workshops to empower conservators and museums globally with reproducible, scientific canvas analysis workflows.

Project Details

  • Lead Institution: University of Seville (US)
  • Partner Administration: Museo Nacional del Prado (MNP)
  • Principal Investigator (US): Prof. Juan José Murillo Fuentes
  • Lead Researcher (MNP): Dr. Laura Alba Carcelén
  • Funding Agency: Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades / FECYT (Convocatoria I+P 2025)

Project News

  • Mejor Conectados program by Telefónica dedicated a spot to our work of collaboration with the Museo Nacional del Prado and the C2 Project, see https://mejorconectados.com/proyecto-aracne-museo-del-prado/ and the video there in or at youtube. We deeply thank the team of Mejor Conectados for this great job describing the scope of our work and contributions.
  • Project started last June, 2026