Prompt Cast
The Science Behind Why Eyes in Paintings Appear to Follow You
TLDR The phenomenon of eyes in a painting appearing to follow you is based on the concept of perspective, specifically linear perspective, which allows artists to create the illusion of depth and a third dimension in their paintings. Researchers have conducted experiments to prove that the eyes in a painting do indeed follow you around the room.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The phenomenon of eyes in a painting appearing to follow you is a real thing, but it's difficult to explain why it happens.
01:49
The ability to make eyes in a painting appear to look at the viewer is based on the concept of perspective, specifically linear perspective, which was accidentally discovered by an Italian architect named Filippo Brunellesco in the 14th century.
03:45
Before the discovery of linear perspective, artists could only create the illusion of distance by drawing objects smaller, resulting in flat and two-dimensional art, but with the use of light and shadow, artists can create the illusion of depth and a third dimension in their paintings.
05:50
Before discussing how eyes in a painting follow you, it is important to note that it is a difficult task for artists to create eyes that appear to be looking at the viewer.
07:37
When painting eyes, it is easier to make them appear to be looking at the viewer when the face is looking straight out of the painting, rather than tilted in any direction.
09:34
When painting eyes in a portrait, the position of the eyes is fixed and will appear to follow you no matter where you stand, creating the illusion of the eyes following you around the room.
11:33
Researchers in 2004 conducted an experiment using an image of a mannequin to prove that the eyes in a painting follow you around the room, showing that it is not just a trick but the way we perceive it.
Categories:
Society & Culture
