A digital photograph allows us to see a cultural heritage object. But describing what it contains-and making that information useful to others-requires another step. What materials might be represented? Which subjects appear in the image? How should these details be recorded?
The REEVALUATE Image Contextualization Enabler explores how artificial intelligence can support this process by suggesting descriptive information for users to review.
From an image to descriptive information
The REEVALUATE tutorial demonstrates the tool using an image of a mosaic featuring animals and geometric patterns. Alongside the image, the interface presents fields for information such as the artefact’s type, genre, materials and subjects.
The AI proposes possible values for these fields. Users can then review the suggestions and select those they consider appropriate, building a more detailed description of the digital artefact.
This makes the process tangible: an image becomes the starting point for a structured record that captures more than its visual appearance alone.
Why human judgement matters
Suggestions still need interpretation. A proposed material, subject or artistic category may be relevant, incomplete or unsuitable for the particular object. The tutorial shows several candidate terms, illustrating why reviewing the results is an essential part of the workflow.
Collection professionals bring knowledge that an image alone cannot provide, including an object’s history, provenance and cultural significance. AI-generated suggestions can support their work, while decisions about the description remain grounded in that expertise.
Supporting discovery and reuse
Descriptive information helps people understand what an image represents. When checked and recorded consistently, it can also support searching and browsing collections-for example, by subject or material.
For museums, researchers, educators and creative practitioners, this offers a practical starting point for exploring digital collections and identifying objects relevant to their work. The value lies in connecting visual content with meaningful, reviewed information.
See the tool in action
Watch the REEVALUATE Image Contextualization tutorial to follow the demonstration and see how suggested information can be reviewed alongside the original image.
Watch the Image Contextualization tutorial
You can also explore the full REEVALUATE tutorial collection to discover the project’s other tools.
