The Girl with a Pearl Earring: this painting hypnotizes us, scientists now know why

A centuries-old mystery surrounds Vermeer's painting, The Girl with a Pearl Earring. A fresh scientific perspective may now reveal what makes it so captivating.

Neuroscientists have measured the brain's reaction to this iconic work. Their discovery? A neurological attention loop that keeps the viewer absorbed.


When observing the Girl, our gaze follows a specific path: the eye, the mouth, then the pearl, and so on. This visual cycle, described as a "sustained attentional loop," forces one to gaze at the painting longer than others.

Neurological tests have also revealed strong stimulation of the precuneus, a region of the brain linked to consciousness and personal identity. This phenomenon could explain the universal fascination with this work.

Martin de Munnik from Neurensics explains that this study is the first to use EEG and MRI machines to measure brain responses to a work of art. He highlights that the longer a viewer observes a face, the more attractive it becomes.

The researchers also compared the reactions to the original painting and a reproduction. The results show that the emotional response is ten times more intense in front of the original work.

For this study, ten subjects were equipped with eye and brain sensors, and they observed both the original and copies. Martine Gosselink, the Director of the Mauritshuis, emphasizes the importance of viewing original works of art, stating that it stimulates the brain in a unique way.


The specificity of this painting lies in its three focal points: the eye, the mouth, and the pearl. Unlike other Vermeer paintings where subjects are engaged in everyday tasks, this young girl gazes at us intensely.

Finally, this study opens the door to similar research on other masterpieces, such as the Mona Lisa. A comparison between these two legendary works could reveal new insights into art and human perception.

What is the precuneus?

The precuneus is a region of the brain located in the parietal lobe. It plays a crucial role in several advanced cognitive functions, including self-awareness, attention, and episodic memory.

This part of the brain is activated during tasks related to self-reflection or perception of the environment. In the context of the study on The Girl with a Pearl Earring, scientists found that the precuneus is strongly stimulated when viewers observe the painting, which could contribute to their sense of identification and emotional engagement.

The involvement of the precuneus could therefore explain why certain artworks, like Vermeer's, evoke intense emotional reactions and prolonged fascination.

Who was Vermeer, and why is "The Girl with a Pearl Earring" so famous?

Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) was a 17th-century Dutch painter, a master of chiaroscuro and depictions of everyday life. Although he produced relatively few works, he is now considered one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age.

The Girl with a Pearl Earring, painted around 1665, is one of his most iconic works. Often referred to as "The Mona Lisa of the North," the painting is famous for its mystery and simplicity. The young girl depicted, wearing a pearl earring, stares at us with a gaze that seems both intimate and distant.

The painting is distinguished by a subtle technique of using light and color, characteristic of Vermeer's style. The off-center positioning of the figure, her captivating gaze, and the delicate rendering of the pearl make this work a baroque masterpiece, admired for its ability to elicit profound emotion in the viewer.