In a groundbreaking study, neuroscientists have uncovered a fascinating neurological phenomenon experienced by viewers of Johannes Vermeer’s iconic painting, Girl with a Pearl Earring. The research, commissioned by the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague, revealed that the brain enters a “Sustained Attentional Loop” when observing the 17th-century masterpiece.

What is the ‘Sustained Attentional Loop’ effect?

The experiment showed that when viewers look at Girl with a Pearl Earring, their eyes are instinctively drawn first to the girl’s eye, then to her mouth, then to the pearl, and finally return to her eye. This repetitive focus loop causes viewers to spend significantly more time observing the painting than others.

Martin de Munnik, a neuroscientist with research firm Neurensics, noted, “You have to pay attention whether you want to or not. You have to love her whether you want to or not.”

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Brain activation in response to the painting

The researchers discovered that the precuneus, a part of the brain responsible for managing consciousness and personal identity, was highly stimulated through EEG and MRI brain scanning technology. This finding points to a deeper emotional and personal connection between the viewer and the artwork.

“It was predictable that the girl was special. But the ‘why’ was also a surprise to us,” said De Munnik, highlighting the unexpected depth of the brain’s reaction to the painting.

The impact of genuine versus reproduced artwork

The study also examined how the brain responds differently to the original painting compared to reproductions. Emotional reactions to the original Girl with a Pearl Earring were found to be ten times stronger than responses to its reproductions, underscoring the irreplaceable value of engaging with authentic art.

Martine Gosselink, the director of the Mauritshuis Museum, emphasized the importance of experiencing original artworks firsthand. “It’s so important to engage with art, whether it’s photography, dance, or old masters from the 17th century. It really helps to develop your brain… The brain doesn’t lie,” she told AFP.

This experiment not only sheds new light on why Vermeer’s painting has captivated audiences for centuries but also underscores the deep, measurable impact that art can have on the human brain.