AI‑powered glimpse: Visualizing Jesus from the Shroud of Turin

"In our analysis, we set out to reconstruct the face of Jesus using anthropological data, research on the Shroud, and historical knowledge. With the help of AI, we created an interpretation that not only draws on symbolism and tradition, but also transcends the boundaries of classical portraiture. We don’t claim it to be the one true image. But we do believe it’s a way of drawing closer to the mystery the Shroud carries—making it more accessible and emotionally resonant for a contemporary audience," the creators of the image of Christ explained.

The Shroud of Turin has sparked the imagination of believers, skeptics, and scientists for centuries. This linen cloth, which according to Christian tradition was used to wrap the body of Jesus Christ after the crucifixion, remains one of the greatest mysteries in the history of the Church. Its mystery does not only stem from its religious context; what is on the fabric has intrigued researchers from all over the world for decades. Although the topic occasionally reappears in the media and laboratories, a definitive answer regarding its authenticity has not been obtained.

The Shroud measures approximately 4.3 metres in length and 1.2 metres in width. It is made from delicate linen woven in a way typical of ancient times, though its exact origin remains disputed. The most fascinating element of the Shroud, however, is the image—it shows outlines of a man's body with numerous signs of brutal injuries, which correspond to the descriptions of Christ's passion.

Visible bloodstains are present on the wrists and feet, wounds from flogging, and injuries in the head area, which are interpreted as marks from the crown of thorns. Experts have determined that these are bloodstains of the AB group. Importantly, this image is not painted. Its creation remains unexplained, with hypotheses ranging from natural chemical processes to extraordinary energy phenomena.

The Shroud first appeared in historical sources in the 14th century in France and was later moved to Italy. A significant moment in its research came at the end of the 1980s when three independent laboratories conducted carbon-14 dating. The results indicated that the fabric was created between 1260 and 1390, which sparked significant controversy.

For many, this was the definitive answer that the Shroud is a medieval relic rather than evidence of resurrection. The problem is that researchers have since questioned both the sample collection and the methodology. Arguments have arisen that the analyzed portion of the cloth could have come from a later repair rather than the original material.

Currently, the Shroud of Turin is kept in a specially designed chapel in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin. It is displayed publicly very rarely—usually only on special jubilees or at the explicit request of the Pope. However, it continues to be the subject of research and analysis, such as that carried out by the Poles from Creait.me. Their results can be seen in the video below:

Experts, using artificial intelligence and data concerning the Shroud of Turin, recreated the image of Jesus Christ. They managed to determine that he might have had:

            
• Height - about 175 cm (5 feet 9 inches), build - slim but well-built,
• Hair - long, wavy, with a centre part,
• Beard - dense, full, slightly forked,
• Eyes - colour cannot be determined, but the eye sockets are deep,
• Complexion - no colour, but presumed olive, typical for a Jew,
• Clothing - none, body naked (in accordance with Roman custom),
• Injuries - flogging, crucifixion, head and side wounds.

What surprised the researchers were the findings regarding the crown of thorns. According to the Polish experts, the wounds on the head suggest that it was not the typical crown known from depictions of Jesus, but rather a cap or thorny helmet.