The preference for social content in painting: material and data

Previous empirical works have reported the roles of low-level visual features in painting preference. However, relatively few works have investigated the contribution of higher-level, social content in predicting painting preference. In an online survey, a total of 420 paintings were rated on their liking across 300 participants. The paintings varied in terms of the number of depicted people, the presence of interpersonal touch, and the depiction setting (i.e. indoor vs. outdoor); the stimulus set also included abstract paintings to provide stylistic variety. Across all participants, certain social contents were liked more than others. For example, paintings without people were significantly liked over paintings with people, and this was especially prominent in depictions of outdoor settings. Furthermore, while people significantly liked paintings without touch, this was only the case for paintings of outdoor settings. The study also explored how these preferences were modulated by individual differences. The findings underscore the relevance and importance of social aspects in art and how this interacts with our individuality. In doing so, the study comments on the intricate object- and subject-based forces that exist in one’s liking of paintings.