Real art in eye of beholder

Oxford University academics found that the brain responds differently to artwork depending on whether it is said to be authentic, or merely an imitation.

The findings show that reaction to art is “not rational”, as the viewer reacts to what they are told about a piece of work – regardless of whether it truly is genuine.

The research saw 14 people placed in a brain scanner and shown images of Rembrandt portraits, some of which were authentic and some of which were fakes.