Vermeer’s masterpiece ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ has inspired everything from books and plays to a film starring Scarlett Johansson.

But while it is widely regarded as one of the most fascinating works of art ever made, it has taken scientists almost 400 years to figure out why.

Now, neuroscientists have revealed that the 17th-century oil painting uses a ‘unique’ psychological trick called a ‘sustained attentional loop’ which holds the viewer in place.

The researchers believe that this unique effect could even explain the appeal of great works of art like the Mona Lisa.

Martin de Munnic, co-founder of neuroscience firm Neurensics which led the study, says: ‘You have to pay attention whether you want to or not. You have to love her whether you want to or not.’

Scientists have revealed that Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ due to a psychological effect called a ‘sustained attentional loop’

Researchers fitted 20 participants with caps which recorded their brain activity and gaze to see how great works of art affect the mind 

The mystery of ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ has spawned adaptions ranging from books and plays to a film starring Scarlett Johansson (left) and Colin Firth (right)

Painted by the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer in 1665, the ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ has long been admired as one of the greatest paintings of its period.

But to understand what makes this painting so compelling, the Mauritshuis Museum where the painting is housed invited neuroscientists to study how our brains react to art.

The researchers fitted 20 participants with special EEG headsets which recorded their brain activity while eye-trackers recorded where they were looking.

This revealed that ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ has a unique attention-grabbing effect.

Mr de Munnic says: ‘It was predictable that the Girl was special. But the “why” was also a surprise to us.

‘Normally when you look at a face you look at the eyes, at the mouth and then you are done, because then you have determined whether this person is “safe” or not. Not with the “Girl with a Pearl Earring”.

Vermeer is well known for leaving most of his paintings soft and blurry while a few details are made especially sharp to draw the viewer’s eye.

In ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ Vermeer uses three of these focus points: the mouth, the eyes, and the earring.

So, instead of sliding off the painting after a quick look, the viewer’s gaze is drawn in a triangle from the eyes to the mouth, to the earring, and back to the eyes.

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The painting draws the viewer’s attention in a looping triangle from the eyes to the mouth, to the earring and back to the eyes. This diagram shows the areas of concentrated attention in dark red 

Scientists say this effect could help explain why great paintings like the Mona Lisa are so captivating 

While much of the painting is left vague and blurred, Vermeer includes extremely fine details in the areas meant to draw the eye. These microscope photos reveal how Vermeer even painted eyelashes which are only visible using X-ray imaging (right)

This looping effect means that viewers will look at the face in the painting for significantly longer than faces in other paintings. 

The researchers believe this gaze-holding effect could explain why ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ and other great paintings like it are so compelling.

Mr de Munnic says: ‘The longer you look at somebody, the more beautiful or more attractive somebody becomes.

‘Why are you familiar with this painting and not with the other paintings? Because of this special thing she has.’

The neuroscientists behind the study, which they plan to publish as an academic paper, now say they would like to repeat the study with other paintings, including the Mona Lisa.

Referencing the joking rivalry between the two paintings, Mauritshuis Director Martine Gosselink told AFP: ‘People sometimes call “The Girl With a Pearl Earring” the Mona Lisa of the North, but I think times are changing, so maybe the Mona Lisa is the Girl of the South.’

In addition to uncovering the sustained attentional loop, the researchers found new details which could explain why we find art so moving.

Data gathered by the EEG caps found that participants looking at works of art experienced the most activation in a region of the brain called the precuneus.

A 3D digital microphotograph shows the pearl at 140x magnification (1.1 μm/pixel). This is one of three extremely sharp focal points which draw the viewer’s attention in a loop 

The scientists found that people’s emotional responses were 10 times more powerful while looking at real art compared to looking at posters. Pictured: a study participant examines art in the Mauritshuis Museum where ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ is held

This area is particularly associated with consciousness, personal identity, and memory retrieval.

To investigate this connection further, the team of neuroscientists compared people’s brain activity while looking at posters of great art with their activity while looking at the real thing.

They found that participants’ emotional responses were 10 times stronger while looking at the original.

This means that seeing authentic art in a museum setting has a far bigger impact on our minds at the neurological level than seeing the same images elsewhere.

Or, as Ms Gosselink puts it, ‘The brain doesn’t lie.’

• Standard first-class postage will rise 30p to £1.65 – a 22.2% increase
• Fifth price hike in under three years 
• Postage rise could lead to a ‘doom spiral of decline’ for Royal Mail

By City & Finance Reporter

Updated: 21:50 BST, 6 October 2024

Businesses have warned that Royal Mail’s inflation-busting first-class stamp price hike could ‘herald the end of an affordable postal service’. 

Standard first-class postage will rise 30p to £1.65 from today – a 22.2 per cent increase.

The fifth price hike in under three years comes as Royal Mail’s owner International Distribution Service, led by chief executive Martin Seidenberg, is being bought by Daniel Kretinsky.

Concerns: Royal Mail’s owner International Distribution Service, led by chief executive Martin Seidenberg (pictured), is being bought by Daniel Kretinsky

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Royal Mail also intends to cut second-class deliveries to every other weekday. 

The first-class postage rise could lead to a ‘doom spiral of decline’ for Royal Mail, warned the Greeting Card Association (GCA), which fears a ‘premium, uncapped, unregulated first-class stamp beyond [consumers’] reach’.

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‘When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life,’ said the writer Samuel Johnson.

And Canadian expat Christina Ford agrees.

Christina, 63, moved to London in 2016. But despite her love for her new life in the Big Smoke, there were a few things that took some getting used to.

Here, the lifestyle blogger (a-broad-in-london) and author of award-winning book In Search of Mr Darcy: Lessons Learnt in the Pursuit of Happily Ever After shares her thoughts on the good, the bad and the just plain strange in the UK.

She reveals her thoughts on the likes of door handles, unrefrigerated eggs, jaywalking, stop signs and public transport – and reveals the key British phrases visitors ‘need to know to keep out of trouble’.

Christina Ford (above) moved to London in 2016. But despite her love for her new life in the Big Smoke, there were a few things that took some getting used to. Here, the lifestyle blogger and author reveals her thoughts on the good, the bad and the just plain strange in the UK

WHAT ARE THE STRANGEST ASPECTS OF LIFE IN THE UK?

No door handles

‘Instead, there’s a prominent door pull to close the door behind you. But it’s the turning of the key that opens the door, not a door handle.’

Unrefrigerated eggs

‘In the UK, eggs could be anywhere in the grocery store, except where I normally find them, in the refrigerated section. Plus, you occasionally find a feather or two stuck to them, which I have to admit, kind of grossed me out the first time.’

No stop signs

Christina is pictured above at the Tower of London. She says the best way of getting around the capital is by public transport 

‘This could be lifesaving intel. When I say “no stop signs”, it’s not because they are replaced with traffic lights or roundabouts. Cars merely have to slow down, not legally stop, when approaching an intersection. Of course, there are some stop signs, but far less than you would think.’

The jaywalkers

‘Londoners will wait for a gap in traffic and then confidently dash across the street. This is important to note – just because the herd is moving, doesn’t mean all the cows are safe. Look up from your phone and pay attention when crossing the street.’

The obsession with football (soccer)

‘I thought British women over 50, that awesome demographic, would have as much interest in a Newcastle vs Manchester United football match as I do – that being none. I was wrong. Although gotta say, this girl loved Ted Lasso, but I’ve learnt that doesn’t count. And although the women are not quite the loud chanting, beer-raising, boisterous lad enthusiast, make no mistake this country is football crazy. And if one wants to fit in, you better get yourself an answer to the inevitable question, “Who’s your team?”’

WHAT DOES THE UK DO WELL?

Public transport

‘Complain about it all you want, but most of the time it is the fastest and safest way to get around London.’

Queuing

’Standing in line for everything, and I mean everything.’

Would Christina recommend London as a place to live? She says: ‘‘Yes. As the saying goes, “He who is bored in London is bored with life”’

Mail delivery

‘Usually next day in the UK.’

Garbage pickup

‘Twice a week. Recycling once a week. (This varies depending on where in London you live.)’

Normalise drinking

‘Pub culture is socially acceptable and pretty much expected, versus hanging out in a local U.S bar. Still undecided if this is a good or bad thing.’

Talk about the weather

‘I mean, every day, all day’.

Art and theatre

‘All galleries and museums are free!’

So much greenery

Christina rightly points out that London has so many trees that it’s technically a forest, which she thinks is ‘just awesome’.

Would she recommend London as a place to Live?

‘Yes. As the saying goes, “He who is bored in London is bored with life.”’

HOW COULD THE UK IMPROVE?

More affordable housing

’For a single person with a decent wage, it is still almost impossible to afford a one-bedroom flat in London.’

Londoners should make eye contact

’Brits aren’t exactly known for being the most welcoming to strangers. They could be friendlier – and not just with our dogs.’

The prospect of racing 300 miles across New York State over a long weekend filled me with terror, but I tried to take the approach of ‘one day at a time.’

I’d signed up to do one of the toughest ultra races on the east coast, which takes place over a four-day period spanning from the source of the Hudson River in Essex County, New York and weaving south through suburbs until reaching the bustling metropolis of Manhattan.

The Source To City event, organized by the UK-based company Rat Race Adventures, consists of four disciplines – hiking, biking, kayaking and running – and it attracts a pool of thrill seekers and athletes alike.

As an avid adventurer, I had completed a Rat Race ultra event in Namibia in 2022, and I thought the Source To City event sounded like an amazing way of exploring more of New York State.

And after four days, 300 miles and 40 hours of grueling physical activity, not only had I seen mountains, forests, small towns and thriving cities, I crossed the finish line with sore muscles and achy joints. 

But the pain was worth it.  

DailyMail.com’s Sadie Whitelocks signed up to do one of the toughest ultra races on the east coast, which takes place over four days. Above, seen on Mount Marcy during the hiking section

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The Source To City event, organized by the UK-based company Rat Race Adventures, consists of four disciplines – hiking, biking, kayaking and running

The weekend I signed up for the grueling challenge, there were 10 participants in total, with the group hailing from Ireland, North Carolina, and the UK. 

Surprisingly, given the proximity, I was the only New Yorker. In terms of ages, we ranged from 30s to 50s.

Most participants had marathons, Ironmans, and triathlons under their belts, but Ian, 52, from the UK joked he had signed up to race in the hope of ‘toughening up’ for his wife and children, as he works in the female-centered world of cosmetics. 

Most people had spent a good period of time training, with cycling being the main focus.

This aspect of the race would encompass just under 260 miles, while the hike would span 18 miles, the kayak 10 miles and the final run, just shy of a half marathon at 13 miles.

Being strapped for time and with no bike of my own in New York, my training regime consisted of daily three-mile runs and trips around the city on electric CitiBikes – not the slickest of two-wheelers. 

To say I felt a little underprepared was an understatement, but like with many outdoor challenges I had faced in the past, I’ve found mental grit is one of the best skills to hone. 

While the name ‘Rat Race’ suggests a competitive edge, the challenges are actually open to people of all abilities, which fosters a feeling of camaraderie and its ‘the taking part that counts.’ 

There are no official awards for first place, but we wanted to push ourselves nonetheless for personal achievement. 

Our group met at JFK airport in Queens, New York, before taking a six-hour bus ride to Lake Placid, where we would stay for the night before the adventure really began. 

The weekend I signed up for the grueling challenge, there were 10 participants in total

During the bike legs, there were pitstops every 30 miles for participants to grab snacks 

After a briefing at the hotel around what each day would involve, we were off – all a little bleary eyed given the 4:45 am start time. 

Day one comprised of an 18-mile trek to the summit of Mount Marcy near Lake Placid, which is New York State’s highest point at 5,344 feet.

Following a bout of rain, the 11 hour hike through forested terrain was muddy and slick, and careful footwork was needed in order to stay upright.

Our group stayed together for this leg of the race and the route was led by a knowledgeable local guide.  

A couple of people from our group took a tumble on the steeper, rockier sections from the summit and Gemma – a 35-year-old baker from the UK – ended up with a nasty bruise on her backside, while Ian ripped his hiking pants.

The hike was tough going and at the end, my feet were shriveled from my waterlogged sneakers. 

When we reached the end, we quickly changed into our cycling gear and hopped on our bikes to pedal 33 miles from the base of Mount Marcy to North Creek, New York, where we would sleep for the night.

Biking through the Adirondack regions was exhilarating, and we rode through rolling woodlands and swathes of picture perfect farmland, though my legs and glutes took a beating from biking up hills for three hours. 

As nightfall descended, the route took on an eerie feeling as we had no road lamps and no phone reception. The group teamed up in pairs to get through it safely, making sure we stuck to the route on our mounted GPS devices.  

While day one was mentally and physically exhausting, I knew day two would be an even greater test of my stamina, as I would be cycling 120 miles from North Creek to Hudson.

To help us get through it, there were pitstops every 30 miles with snacks and water to refuel our bodies. 

The repetitive nature of pedaling took its toll on my left knee and a throbbing pain persisted. I also experienced severe pins and needles in my fingers, the result of compressed nerves in my wrist and hand from holding onto the handlebars.

Additionally, my back grew increasingly sore due to a combination of being hunched over the bike and carrying a backpack of spare clothing.

Dr Liam Musto, an expedition doctor who has worked with Rat Race on various events, told me the Source To City challenge is ‘definitely one of the more demanding endurance races.’

Detailing how it tests the mind and body, he said: ‘After several days of sustained exertion, participants commonly experience significant fatigue and muscle soreness. 

‘While the larger muscle groups in the legs and core are heavily taxed, less obvious areas such as the wrists, neck, and hips can also develop aches and fatigue, particularly by the latter stages of the race. 

‘Blisters and chafing are also very common as the distances increase – “saddle sores” for example can be particularly uncomfortable. 

‘Given the challenging nature of these events, preparation is essential. Including a well thought out pre-event training plan and proper nutrition and hydration during the event.’

Most people had spent a good period of time training for the event, with cycling being the main focus

Over the four days, my back got ‘increasingly sore due to a combination of being hunched over the handlebars and carrying a backpack of spare clothing’

By mile 60 on day two, I certainly wasn’t sure if I could hack much more, but cheers of support from the Rat Race crew helped lift spirits, as did the snacks at each pitstop, ranging from pizza and watermelon to mini cupcakes. 

I also cycled the majority of the stretch with Gemma and chatting helped keep our minds off the backbreaking distance. 

We couldn’t wait for a shower at the end and the thought of a refreshing drink at the bar that night was equally as motivating. 

Eventually, after 12.5 hours of tracing miles of road, we made it to Hudson, New York where we would stay for the night. 

‘You’ve got the hard part out of the way, the rest should be easy,’ Rat Race founder and trip leader Jim Mee said over dinner in a bid to pep us up for the final days. 

Days three and four were around equal distances on the bike (56 miles the first and 50 the following) and each featured brutal climbs. 

At the end of the third day of cycling from Hudson to Dutchess County, we kayaked 10 miles down the Hudson River from the Chelsea Marina to the picturesque town of Cold Spring, New York.

The Hudson was exceedingly calm and glassy, making it a pleasant paddle. 

On our last day, following a final push on the bikes from Cold Spring to the George Washington Bridge, we crossed the Hudson River, finishing with a 13-mile run.

At first, after days hunched over on the bike, my body felt stiff, but after a couple of miles, things loosened up and I tried to maintain a steady pace alongside three of my teammates. 

Our pace was a very slow jog, with some stops here and there to walk.  

On their final day, the racers crossed the Hudson on foot over the George Washington Bridge to finish with a half marathon

The run from the George Washington Bridge to the City Vineyard restaurant on Manhattan’s west side took us  just over 2.5 hours

A map showing the route Sadie and the rest of the competitors took over the long weekend

The running leg from the bridge to the City Vineyard restaurant on Manhattan’s west side took us just over 2.5 hours and the feeling of relief at the finish line was unbelievable. 

We were greeted by the jingle of a cow bell, along with the rest of the Rat Race team and our fellow – and speedier – comrades.  

Luckily, no one sustained any major injuries during the challenge. Some of the main complaints included chaffing, saddle sores, sunburn, creaky knees, stiff shoulders from kayaking, and practically everything was aching come the final run. 

Having a debrief with some celebratory beverages, we all agreed what a stunning place New York State is, and outside of Manhattan, there’s a swathe of greenery to explore. 

Summing up this year’s final Source To City race, Jim Mee said: ‘This was most definitely no picnic. Everyone fronted up and took it on with gusto. 

‘What a road trip it was. What a country the US is. Truly an adventure.’

Surprisingly, my body didn’t feel as worn down as I thought it would. 

In 2010 I ran the New York marathon with no training after my name got drawn out of a hat for a placement, and I could barely walk for a week or so. 

But this time around, it appeared my daily three miles runs had helped build my strength and the next day, I was in the office feeling remarkably perky. 

For me, I’m already looking into the next Rat Race adventure – it really makes for an unreal way of pushing your mind and body to their limits.  

By Daniel Matthews

Published: 00:26 BST, 7 October 2024 | Updated: 01:37 BST, 7 October 2024

Concussion campaigners have slammed the decision to allow Josh Allen to return to the field minutes after the Bills quarterback suffered a sickening blow to the head against the Texans.

Allen’s head bounced off the turf after a tackle during Buffalo’s 23-20 defeat by Houston on Sunday. The quarterback was left face down, his left wrist bent into the turf, following the brutal hit to his head.

Concerned teammates stood over Allen before he headed to the medical tent for evaluation, only to return to the game shortly.

It comes only weeks after Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa suffered another concussion and Chris Nowinski – a neuroscientist and founding CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation – slammed the ‘insane’ and ‘risky’ decision.

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‘It’s insane that Josh Allen was put back in after this hit. Even if he says he’s fine, why bet the franchise QB that concussion symptoms aren’t delayed?’ he wrote on social media. 

Josh Allen controversially returned to the field after suffering a sickening blow to the head 

Concerned teammates stood over the quarterback after his head bounced off the turf

‘Protocol aside, how are we taking risks like this just a few weeks after another Tua concussion?’

Nowinski added: ‘Fact: All #concussion protocols are imperfect. If I saw a player’s head bounce 18 inches off the turn and his left wrist fold like Allen’s did here, I’d call it “no protective action when falling”, a concussion sign. I’d at least sit him for the game. Why are we not cautious?’

Earlier on Sunday, Tommy Tremble of the Panthers appeared to be knocked unconscious after taking a blow to the head. 

Another clip from the Bills-Texas game, meanwhile, appeared to show Allen being handed something by a member of the bench before he returned to the field. Sports doctor Jesse Morse claimed it was smelling salts and he called for a ‘huge penalty’ over the decision to let Allen play on.

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After his return, Allen was unable to prevent the Bills from suffering an 23-20 loss

‘It’s insane that Josh Allen was put back in,’ concussion campaigner Chris Nowinski said

‘Josh Allen appears to have SUFFERED A CONCUSSION, they gave him SMELLING SALTS then allowed him to return to the game,’ he said. 

‘This should be a HUGE PENALTY and VERY risky for Josh Allen’s health. He could have suffered another concussion which could have caused second impact syndrome, which can be deadly.’

After trainers rushed on to the field, Allen reportedly stayed down for around 20 seconds before he sat up and made his way off.

Following CJ Stroud’s dramatic fumble, however, Allen reportedly attempted to run out of the tent, only to be pulled back in.

Mitch Trubisky briefly replaced him under center but soon Allen put his helmet on and ran back on. He was unable to prevent the Bills from suffering an 23-20 loss.