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 '
call girl service goa with a Pearl Earring' has spawned adaptions ranging from books and plays to a film starring Scarlett Johansson (left) and Colin Firth (right)