September 15, 2022 at 12:04 pm

Why Does This Lady Have a Fly on Her Head?

by Ashley Dreiling

Imagine it’s around 1470, you are from a very wealthy family, and you are about to sit for your one and only portrait, a piece of art to mark your existence at this one point in time, for all eternity. You wear your finest clothes, take extra special care with your hair and make yourself as presentable as possible as you sit for hours.

Would you be upset if there was a fly on your head in the finished piece?

Watch the investigation into possible reasons why this portrait has an unusual and very detailed little guest. What does it say about the tricks that artists play on us and the magical element of realism? The answer will likely surprise you as much as the insect itself.

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