One of the most common human gestures, the pointing finger, appears frequently in Old Master paintings as a guiding cue. However, its influence on viewers’ gaze has never been systematically investigated. Researchers in experimental art history at the University of Vienna used eye‐tracking methods to analyze whether and how viewers’ eyes follow pointing gestures in works by renowned artists such as Raphael, Giorgione, Caravaggio, and Rembrandt.
How pointing fingers shape what we see in old master paintings
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The year 2025 has not been a great one for U.S.-Chinese relations. Tit-for-tat tariffs and the scramble over rare earth elements has dampened economic relations between the world’s two leading economies. Meanwhile, territorial disputes between [...]
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Across the EU, immigration is one of the most divisive topics in politics today. Germany, a country once known for its “Willkommenskultur” (welcome culture), is a case in point.This post was originally published on this [...]
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Ariel Procaccia is the Alfred and Rebecca Lin Professor of Computer Science at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). His work combines mathematics, computer science, and AI to develop [...]
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People often see science as a world apart: cool, rational and untouched by persuasion or performance. In this view, scientists simply discover truth, and truth speaks for itself.This post was originally published on this site
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President Donald Trump is making full use of his pardon power. This year, Trump has issued roughly 1,800 pardons, or nearly six times the number he issued during the four years of his first term. [...]
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Across the world, governments are tightening controls on speech, expanding surveillance and rolling back rights once thought to be secure.This post was originally published on this site
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When engaging in a political discussion, talking about what you oppose instead of what you support may make others more open to your views, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.This post was [...]
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Global human rights are in decline according to the findings of a recent study by researchers at the University of Rhode Island’s Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies.This post was originally published on this site
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The U.S. Supreme Court is currently reviewing a case to determine whether President Donald Trump’s global tariffs are legal.This post was originally published on this site
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Across the world, democracies are grappling with a widening gap between citizens and those who govern. Australia is no exception.This post was originally published on this site
