New neurological evidence reaffirms an instinct: that viewing original fine art is best.

Recently, the Mauritshuis Museum in the Netherlands commissioned neuroscience researchers to analyze how visitors respond to its paintings compared to viewing reproductions of them. Twenty researchers participated in the study and were shown five figure paintings from the 17th century including the famous “Girl With a Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer.

The study showed viewing the five original paintings in the museum had an emotional response 10 times greater than viewing their reproductions. Its research data also revealed part of the distinguishing appeal of the “Girl With a Pearl Earring.”

“We live in a time when we are increasingly confronted with copies and interpretations of reality. You might think that real, genuine art or objects therefore become less important, but the opposite is true: real is actually becoming more important,” said Vera Carasso, director of the Netherlands Museum Association.
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