A group of scientists believe they have discovered the secret behind the magnetism of the famous work by Johannes Vermeer, “Girl with a Pearl Earring”. By measuring the brain reactions of those who contemplate it, they revealed how this painting provokes a unique effect on the human brain.
He Mauritshuis Museumin The Hague, home of this iconic work, collaborated with a team of neuroscientists to analyze the brain activity of visitors while watching “Girl with a Pearl Earring” along with other pieces from the collection. The results point to a phenomenon called “sustained attentional loop,” a specific neurological response that appears to be unique to this portrait.
A visual cycle that captivates
According to experts, the viewer’s gaze begins by focusing on the eye of the young woman, then moves to her mouth and continues to the pearl that adorns her ear, to finally return to the eye. This visual cycle maintains attention of the observer for a longer time compared to other paintings. Martin De Munnik, a member of the research firm Neurensics, explains that the painting forces the viewer to maintain their attentionregardless of your intention.
Furthermore, measurements of brain activity revealed a intense stimulation in the precuneus, an area of the brain linked to consciousness and personal identity. “We knew that this work was special, but the reasons surprised us,” commented De Munnik.
Technology and art: a new way of studying reactions
This study is a pioneer in the use of technologies such as electroencephalogram (EEG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to analyze how the brain responds to a work of art. One of the most surprising conclusions is that The emotional reaction is ten times more intense when viewing the original painting compared to a reproduction.
To carry out this research, the scientists equipped the participants with eye sensors and electrodes in their heads as they looked at both original paintings and replicas. The results underline the importance of experience art live. Martine Gosselink, director of the Mauritshuis, highlighted that these discoveries reinforce the value of visiting museums to appreciate original works. “The brain doesn’t deceive,” Gosselink said.
Vermeer’s Singularity
A distinctive feature of Vermeer’s works is that he often focus attention on a single pointleaving peripheral details blurred. However, “Girl with a Pearl Earring” is special because it offers three focal points: the eye, the mouth and the pearlwhich differentiates it from the artist’s other paintings. “Here we see someone really looking at us, unlike other works by Vermeer, where the characters are focused on activities like writing or sewing,” Gosselink said.
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Courtesy EFE Agency
Finally, De Munnik suggested that it would be interesting to apply this type of study to other famous works, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “Gioconda.” Gosselink, for his part, jokingly commented that, although some call “The Girl with a Pearl Earring” the Mona Lisa of the North, “perhaps times have changed, and now the Mona Lisa could be the Young Woman of the South.”
Source: Ambito
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