Abstract
Art experts have argued that the mirror reversal of pictorial artworks produces an alteration of their spatial content. However, this putative asymmetry of the pictorial space remains to be empirically proved and causally explained. Here, we address these issues with the "corridor illusion," a size illusion triggered by the pictorial space of a receding corridor. We show that mirror-reversed corridors-receding respectively leftward and rightward-induce markedly different illusion strengths and thus convey distinct pictorial spaces. Remarkably, the illusion is stronger with the rightward corridor among native left-to-right readers (French participants, n = 40 males) but conversely stronger with the leftward corridor among native right-to-left readers (Syrian participants, n = 40 males). Together, these results demonstrate an asymmetry of the pictorial space and point to our reading/writing habits as a major cause of this phenomenon.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
