Webster Vienna Head of Psychology Lectures on Art and Neuroscience in Sicily
October 02, 2023
On Sept. 29, Webster Vienna Private University (WVPU) professor Luca Ticini lectured
at the Museo Mandralisca in Cefalù, Sicily.
His talk explored the fascinating connections between art and neuroscience and attracted a large and engaged audience. The Q&A session following the lecture was a huge hit, indicating the high level of interest in this research topic.
The Museo Mandralisca is renowned for its diverse collection, housing priceless works of art, historical artifacts and Antonello da Messina's famous "Portrait of an Unknown." This painting, known for its characteristic smile and painted three decades before Leonardo da Vinci's “Mona Lisa,” is of great art historical significance.
Ticini, who is Webster Vienna’s Head of the Department of Psychology, elaborated on the historical twist of fate that linked da Messina and da Vinci. Da Vinci’s career was launched in Milan because da Messina chose to return to Sicily. Da Vinci was sent to Milan in his stead and was recommended to the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza, by a mutual acquaintance. Da Vinci went on to have a significant and influential artistic career in Milan, and this opportunity marked a pivotal moment in his life and career.
Art and neuroscience are interconnected through the exploration of how the brain processes and responds to artistic stimuli. Ticini dives into neuroasthetics in his classes at Webster Vienna. He conducts his research with a multidisciplinary approach to art and human brain sciences and has made contributions to help develop the field of neuroaesthetics.