Optical illusion, 19th century

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Optical illusion, 19th century

Optical illusion, 19th-century artwork. Array of white circles on a black background, the starting point for a demonstration of an optical illusion. The circles appear to be hexagons depending on how they are viewed, and this illusion persists even when the image is replaced with a grey screen. The illusion, which varies between the right and left eye, is thought to be caused be after-imaging effects in the brain, where curves are interpreted as corners and vice-versa. Artwork from the 13th volume (first period of 1894) of the French popular science weekly La Science Illustree

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Media ID 6338413

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1890s 1894 Annual Volume Array Circle Circles French Grid Hexagon Hexagons La Science Illustree Louis Figuier Magazine Optical Illusion Pattern Popular Science Processes Weekly Experimental Psychology Mono Chrome Neurological Neurology Persistence

EDITORS COMMENTS
This 19th-century artwork, captured in a photo print, showcases an intriguing optical illusion that continues to baffle and fascinate viewers. Against a stark black background, an array of white circles creates the foundation for this mind-bending demonstration. Depending on how one gazes upon it, these seemingly innocent circles transform into mesmerizing hexagons. What makes this illusion even more remarkable is its persistence. Even when replaced with a grey screen, the hexagonal perception remains intact. The phenomenon varies between the right and left eye, suggesting that after-imaging effects within our brains play a significant role. Curves are interpreted as corners and vice-versa, leading to this perplexing visual deception. Originally featured in the 13th volume of La Science Illustree, a popular French science weekly from 1894, this artwork represents both historical significance and scientific curiosity. Created during an era where experimental psychology was emerging as a field of study alongside advancements in neurology, it highlights humanity's fascination with understanding the intricacies of our own brain processing. As we gaze upon this monochromatic grid of circles-turned-hexagons from over a century ago, we are reminded of how timeless optical illusions can be. This image serves as a testament to human ingenuity and our eternal quest for unraveling the mysteries hidden within our own perceptions.

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