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A Forward Bias in Human Profile-Oriented Portraits.

Helena Miton1,2, Dan Sperber1, Mikołaj Hernik3

  • 1Department of Cognitive Science, Central European University.

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|June 15, 2020
PubMed
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.

Keywords:
Anteroposterior body structureCultural attractionCultural evolutionHistorical normsPortraitsSpatial compositionVisual artWikiArt

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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.