On October 2, scientists at the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague (Netherlands) unveiled an impressive discovery regarding the world-famous painting “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by master painter Johannes Vermeer.
This artwork has been beloved for centuries, and now, thanks to modern technology, the reason behind its strange allure has been uncovered.
The Mauritshuis museum collaborated with neuroscientists to measure brain responses while viewers admired this painting and other famous artworks. The results revealed that this portrait activates a unique neurological phenomenon they refer to as “Extended Attention Loop.” According to the researchers, only Vermeer’s work creates this effect.
When observing the painting, viewers’ eyes are automatically drawn sequentially from the girl’s eyes to her mouth, then to the pearl earring, before returning to her eyes, forming a continuous cycle. This compels viewers to keep their gaze fixed and extends their enjoyment of the artwork compared to other paintings. Mr. Martin de Munnik, a representative of Neurensics, the company conducting the study, explained: “You have to pay attention to her, whether you want to or not. You have to love her, whether you want to or not.”
The painting “Girl with a Pearl Earring.”
By measuring brain waves, scientists also discovered that the prefrontal cortex – the area responsible for conscious thought and personal identity – was the most stimulated region while viewing this artwork. This finding was surprising for the research team, even though they already suspected that Vermeer’s portrait had something special.
This study is also the first to combine EEG and MRI brain scans to measure neurological responses while appreciating art.
In the study, scientists compared brain responses when viewers stood in front of the original painting at the museum versus when they looked at replicas. They found that the emotions experienced when viewing the original artwork were ten times stronger than when viewing reproductions.
This emphasizes the importance of experiencing art in person. Mauritshuis director Martine Gosselink shared: “Accessing art, whether it be photography, dance, or the works of classic masters from the 17th century, is very important. It helps develop your brain… and the brain never lies.”
This is one of the rare paintings by Vermeer where the main character looks directly at the viewer.
What makes “Girl with a Pearl Earring” different from Vermeer’s other works is the way he creates three main focal points in the painting: the eyes, mouth, and the pearl earring. In most of Vermeer’s other paintings, the focus is on a single point, while surrounding details are blurred.
Director Gosselink also emphasized that this portrait is one of the rare paintings by Vermeer where the main character looks directly at the viewer. In his other works, the characters are often preoccupied with their tasks, such as writing, sewing, or other activities. She noted: “But with this girl, she is looking at you.”
According to Mr. Martin de Munnik, it would certainly be fascinating if a similar study were conducted on other famous works, such as “Mona Lisa“ by master painter Leonardo da Vinci. The new discovery not only deepens the admiration for Vermeer’s painting but also highlights the importance of art in stimulating the brain and creating unforgettable emotions in viewers.
