A Forward Bias in Human Profile-Oriented Portraits
Helena Miton1,2, Dan Sperber1, Mikołaj Hernik3
1Department of Cognitive Science, Central European University.
Cognitive Science
|June 15, 2020
Summary
Human portrait compositions show a "forward bias," with more space in front of subjects than behind. This tendency, influenced by cognitive factors and cultural norms, was observed across centuries of European paintings.
Area of Science:
- Art History
- Cognitive Science
- Psychology
Background:
- Spatial composition in art is influenced by cultural norms.
- Cognitive factors affect visual attention, favoring forward space.
- Previous studies suggest aesthetic preferences for compositions with more space in front of subjects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and evolution of a "forward bias" in European human portraits.
- To examine the interplay between cognitive factors and cultural norms in portrait composition.
- To determine if aesthetic preferences for forward space influence artistic production.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a large dataset of 1,831 European paintings from the 15th to 20th centuries.
- Quantitative assessment of spatial composition, specifically the space in front of and behind depicted subjects.
- Statistical analysis to identify trends and correlations with historical cultural norms.
Main Results:
- A significant "forward bias" was found, with painters allocating more space in front of subjects than behind.
- The forward bias was more pronounced in profile-oriented portraits.
- The strength of the forward bias increased as cultural norms favoring centered compositions became less dominant.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive biases, specifically a preference for forward space, demonstrably influence artistic composition in human portraits.
- Artistic choices in spatial arrangement reflect a complex interaction between inherent cognitive tendencies and evolving cultural aesthetics.
- The study provides empirical evidence for the impact of psychological factors on historical art practices.
Keywords:
Anteroposterior body structureCultural attractionCultural evolutionHistorical normsPortraitsSpatial compositionVisual artWikiArtMore Related Videos
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