More than the Sum of its Parts: Perceiving Complexity in Painting

To date the complexity of an image is most often equated with its visual complexity. However, recent studies have shown that when it comes to artworks, complexity ratings are also influenced by semantic processes. The present study investigates the relationship between perceived image complexity and content-related processes in paintings by comparing ratings of perceived complexity from experts (art historians) and nonexperts. We show that the processing of the different dimensions of an artwork's content (preiconographic, iconographic, and iconological contents) all independently contribute to both groups' perceptions of an artwork's complexity. However, experts rated artworks to be less complex than nonexperts and considered different dimensions regarding the artwork` s content.