Unlocking the Shroud of Turin: AI reveals Christ's visage mysteries

"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," explained the creators of the image of Christ.

The Shroud of Turin has sparked the imagination of believers, sceptics, and scientists for centuries. According to Christian tradition, this linen cloth was used to wrap the body of Jesus Christ after the crucifixion, and it remains one of the greatest mysteries in the Church's history. Its intrigue is not only religious; what is on the fabric has captivated researchers worldwide for decades. Although the topic intermittently reappears in the media and laboratories, a definitive answer regarding its authenticity has yet to be found.

The Shroud measures approximately 4.3 metres in length and 1.2 metres in width. It is made from delicate linen woven in a style typical of ancient times, though its exact origin remains debated. The most fascinating element of the Shroud, however, is the image: visible are the outlines of a man's body with numerous signs of brutal injuries, corresponding to descriptions of Christ's passion.

There are visible bloodstains 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 then moved to Italy. A breakthrough in its research occurred at the end of the 1980s when three independent laboratories conducted carbon-14 dating. The results suggested that the fabric was created between 1260 and 1390, causing significant controversy.

For many, this was definitive proof that the Shroud is a medieval relic rather than evidence of resurrection. The issue is that researchers have since questioned both the sample collection and the methodology. There have been arguments that the analysed 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 rarely shown publicly, usually only on special jubilees or at the explicit request of the Pope. However, it remains the subject of research and analysis, such as that carried out by the team at Creait.me. Their results can be seen in the video below:

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

• Height - 1.75 metres, 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 definite 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 crown known from depictions of Jesus, but rather a cap or thorny helmet.