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Goblet illusion
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Goblet illusion
Goblet illusion. This image is simultaneously a drawing of a goblet and two faces. When there are two competing interpretations of an ambiguous image the brain will often switch between them. So a viewer of this image, which has been around in some form since the 18th century, may see a white goblet for a while, but then change to seeing two black faces in profile. It is impossible to see both at the same time. It is also impossible to view this as abstract shapes - once the brain knows the form of a goblet and of a face in profile it must assign one of the two to its interpretation of this image
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6441393
© SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Ambiguity Ambiguous Face Faces Illusory Neuroscience Optical Illusion Perception Psychology Trick Trickery Vision Vision Visual Visual Trick
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This print from Science Photo Library showcases the mesmerizing Goblet Illusion, a visual trick that has intrigued viewers since the 18th century. At first glance, it appears to be a simple drawing of a white goblet against a black background. However, upon closer inspection, another interpretation emerges - two black faces in profile. The beauty of this illusion lies in its ability to play with our perception and challenge our understanding of what we see. Our brain effortlessly switches between these competing interpretations, allowing us to experience both the goblet and the faces separately but never simultaneously. Interestingly, once our mind recognizes the familiar forms of a goblet and faces in profile, it must assign one interpretation to this image; abstract shapes are no longer an option. This phenomenon highlights how deeply ingrained our cognitive processes are when it comes to visual stimuli. As we delve into the realms of psychology and neuroscience, illusions like these continue to captivate researchers and enthusiasts alike. The Goblet Illusion serves as a reminder that even something as seemingly straightforward as vision can be deceptive and subject to ambiguity. Science Photo Library brings us yet another thought-provoking piece that invites us on an intriguing journey through perception and trickery of vision – reminding us just how fascinating the human mind truly is.
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