Scientists have uncovered compelling evidence that viewing original artworks in museums stimulates the brain 10 times more intensely than looking at reproductions, per mymodernmet.com. According to the report, the groundbreaking study was conducted at the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague.
This revelation adds scientific weight to the long-held belief that experiencing art in person is uniquely powerful.
The research, which involved 20 volunteers aged 21 to 65, utilised advanced technology including electroencephalogram (EEG) brain scanners and eye-tracking equipment. Participants were exposed to both original paintings and reproductions, with striking differences in brain activity observed.
Martine Gosselink, director of the Mauritshuis, emphasised the significance of the findings, stating, “A factor of ten is an enormous difference. You become mentally richer when you see things, whether you are conscious of it or not.”
Of particular interest was the response to Johannes Vermeer’s iconic “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” The painting elicited the strongest reactions, especially in the area formed by the subject’s left eye, mouth, and pearl earring. Researchers dubbed this phenomenon a “sustained attention loop,” noting how viewers’ gazes continually cycled through these features.
The study also revealed that original artworks triggered intense positive responses in the precuneus, a brain region associated with consciousness, self-reflection, and personal memories. This neural activity was significantly diminished when participants viewed reproductions.
While the research confirms what many art enthusiasts have long suspected, it provides concrete evidence of the irreplaceable value of experiencing art in its original form. As museums worldwide grapple with digitization and accessibility, these findings underscore the enduring importance of in-person art viewing.
•Featured image: Scott Ableman via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
