Carlos Velázquez on October 28, 2024
“Real art carries a much greater emotional and neurological weight than its digital or printed copies. Art is not just about what you see but how it makes you feel and think—and there’s something irreplaceable about being face to face with the original.”
Art has an unparalleled ability to engage the viewer, pulling us into a dialogue that transcends time and place. Yet, what makes some works of art more captivating than others? Recent neuro-research conducted by the Mauritshuis museum reveals fascinating insights into why Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring holds a special grip on those who gaze at it. This neurological study, the first of its kind commissioned by the Mauritshuis, dives into the differences between experiencing art in person versus through reproduction—and the results are truly eye-opening.
Stronger Emotional Response in Front of Real Art
One of the most remarkable findings of the study is the heightened emotional response generated by viewing real artwork. The researchers discovered that looking at a real painting, such as Girl with a Pearl Earring, activates the brain up to ten times more than seeing a reproduction. This emotional pull is amplified by the museum setting, where factors like lighting, framing, and atmosphere play a significant role in enhancing the experience. While all the artworks studied elicited this response to some extent, Vermeer’s Girl captivated audiences far beyond the others.
The Sustained Attentional Loop: A Neurological Phenomenon
So, what makes Girl with a Pearl Earring so unique? According to the research, the answer lies in a phenomenon called the "sustained attentional loop." When viewers look at the painting, their gaze moves continuously between three focal points: the Girl’s eyes, her mouth, and the pearl earring. This loop keeps viewers engaged with the painting longer than any of the other benchmark pieces studied. The interplay between these elements creates a mesmerizing effect, drawing the observer deeper into Vermeer’s composition.
Self-Reflection: The Brain’s Response to the Girl
Another surprising finding of the research was how the painting stimulated the brain’s precuneus—a region associated with self-reflection, personal memories, and the sense of self. This was particularly true for Girl with a Pearl Earring, more so than the other paintings analyzed. The activation of this brain region suggests that viewers see something of themselves in the Girl, making the experience of viewing the artwork not just about looking but also about introspection. It’s as though Vermeer’s Girl invites us to not only observe her but to reflect on ourselves.
The Research Process
Conducted by the independent consumer neuroscience agency Neurensics and guided by experts like Professor Victor Lamme and Dr. H. Steven Scholte, the study was both scientifically rigorous and deeply revealing. Participants were equipped with EEG headsets and eye trackers, and their brain activity was measured as they viewed paintings in the museum, including Girl with a Pearl Earring, as well as reproductions. The study was further validated by fMRI brain scans performed at the University of Amsterdam. Across both phases, the emotional and neurological impact of seeing the original paintings in person far exceeded that of viewing reproductions.
Why Real Art Matters More Than Ever
In today’s digital world, reproductions of famous artworks are everywhere, from postcards to phone wallpapers. But as Martine Gosselink, director of the Mauritshuis, pointed out, the emotional and cognitive power of seeing the real thing remains unparalleled. This research demonstrates, scientifically, that real art carries a much greater emotional and neurological weight than its digital or printed copies. Art is not just about what you see but how it makes you feel and think—and there’s something irreplaceable about being face to face with the original.
As we continue to explore the connections between art, the brain, and human emotion, the findings of this study remind us why visiting a museum remains a deeply enriching experience. The Girl with a Pearl Earring doesn’t just capture our attention—she holds it, in a way that engages both our eyes and minds, making us reflect on our own place in the world. This sustained attentional loop is part of what makes Vermeer’s masterpiece so enduringly special, inviting viewers to look, reflect, and return to her gaze again and again.
Peggy: Elevating the Art Experience
At Peggy, we understand the profound impact that original artworks have on viewers. The same emotional resonance and sustained attentional loops discovered in the study remind us of the importance of connecting people with genuine, one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether you are discovering, buying, or selling art, Peggy fosters that same connection between artist and collector, offering access to original contemporary works that inspire and captivate—just like Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring.
The study at the Mauritshuis serves as a reminder of the irreplaceable magic of real art, a magic you can experience on Peggy by exploring and collecting original pieces that speak to your soul.
Manu De Mey (born in Mortsel, Belgium, living and working in Antwerp, Belgium)’s painting, “Girl with Dot in Profile", 2024, is a contemporary piece that has some reminiscent characteristics to Vermeer’s “Girl With A Pearl Earring”. Perhaps a viewer’s eyes may loop between the eyes, mouth and ear, creating the loop with a similar mesmerizing effect.
When you browse original artworks, which pieces do you feel have the strongest sustained attentional loop effect on you?
