Looking at an original piece of art creates up to ten times the emotion than viewing a print, even if the reproduction is exhibited in museum-like conditions, a study has found.

Researchers in the Netherlands used electroencephalograms (EEGs) to study the neurological activity of people looking at original works and copies in the Hague’s Mauritshuis museum.

They discovered that the real paintings, which included The Girl with the Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer, had much more emotional impact in findings described as  “important and relevant for the entire museum sector”.

Erik Scherder, professor of neuropsychology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, said: “Watching art stimulates your brain on several levels. It evokes excitement, triggers imagination and makes you think about what you see. It’s an ultimate enrichment, activating your brain to the fullest.”