347 years after his death, one of the greatest Masters of all time is brought back to life to create one more masterpiece. But this time, data is the painter and technology the brush: The Next Rembrandt.

The Next Rembrandt is a 3D printed painting made completely out of Rembrandt-data. All of his 346 paintings were analysed using hi-res 3D scans and digital files upscaled by a deep learning algorithm.

Facial recognition and machine learning software was designed to understand Rembrandt’s style and use those learnings to generate new facial features, which were assembled based on his use of geometric proportions.

Finally, a height map was created to mimic Rembrandt’s brushstrokes. The file was brought to life through an advanced 3D printer that printed 13 layers of paint based UV-ink.

The Next Rembrandt was unveiled and exhibited in Amsterdam on the 5th of April 2016.

The Next Rembrandt is a painting made from Rembrandt-data. Luckily, Rembrandt is one of the best documented painters of all time. All of his 346 paintings were analysed on a pixel by pixel basis and an extensive database was built. Supporting partner Microsoft lend their cloud platform Azure to host, process and analyse all the data gathered.

First, statistical and demographical data were used to determine the subject of the painting. After that, facial recognition and machine learning software was designed that could understand Rembrandt’s style and used those learnings to generate new facial features, which were assembled based on his use of geometric proportions.

Finally, existing hi-res 3D scans of Rembrandt paintings were used to teach a computer how to apply brush strokes like Rembrandt. That information, assembled in a height map was used to create the texture of the painting which was brought to life via 3D printing.

People from all over the world came to experience the unveiling and exhibition in Amsterdam. There the global conversation started.

- Global trending topic, reporting 10 million Twitter impressions on launch-day.

- Over 1.400 articles (and counting) were written.

- All major networks covered the unveiling, commenting on its meaning for future innovations.

- 1.8 billion media impressions.

- Earned media value: 12.5 milllion euros.

- On launch day Fortune Magazine reported increase in stock value for ING (ING ^1.22%) and partner Microsoft (MSFT ^ 0.49%).

- After launch, Google reported ING’s Search Interest increased by 61.29%, Microsoft by 20%.

- To benefit future innovations parts of the code will be made open source.

Next to the ongoing global conversation about the meaning for our industry and the future of creativity, the technology developed for The Next Rembrandt is now used for the restauration of damaged and partially lost Masterpieces.

Creativity is often seen as inexplicable flashes of genius. Rare and valuable.

The Next Rembrandt challenges the notion of what creativity is.

It raises questions about complex algorithms defying creative thinking. About human creativity becoming a deconstructable skill.

The Next Rembrandt opens the conversation about where innovation can take us by bringing data and technology to ING’s sponsorship of Dutch arts and culture. The collaborative project raises the bank’s profile as one of the world’s most innovative banks.

Sparking a leading edge change in how we look at originality, opening up a whole new territory for our industry to consider.

ING, a Dutch multinational banking group, has been building its credentials as an innovative bank.

It has introduced many innovative solutions to empower its clients. From the introduction of fingerprint log-in, which makes banking more safe, easy and intuitive to the introduction of twyp, a free app you can use to transfer money to friends.

But they’re not alone. All financial instituions are going there. So how can ING put a stake in the ground that totally sets it apart from the competition?

How can they create an uncopyable, groundbreaking innovation that builds their credentials as the bank to beat, when it comes to displaying the power of innovation?

ING went beyond the regular banking products and services and focussed on their sponsorship of Dutch arts and culture. A domain, riddled with tradition instead of innovation. Rich ground for data and technology to build an idea that defied imagination…