If you enjoy brain teasers and puzzles that test your ability to observe details, then this challenging IQ puzzle is for you. At first glance, it may seem like a simple task—just count the number of people inside the picture. However, the answer is far trickier than you might expect. Many people get it wrong on their first attempt, and only those with a keen eye for detail can figure it out.
Common Mistakes That Lead to the Wrong Answer
When people first analyze the image, they often come up with one of two incorrect answers. Some believe the correct count is 11, assuming that the paintings on the wall and the statue in the gallery should be included in the total. However, this assumption is incorrect because paintings and statues are not real people—they are lifeless objects, and therefore, should not be counted.
Others conclude that the correct answer is five, as they only count the clearly visible individuals in the room. However, this is another mistake because there is a hidden person that most people fail to notice.
The Correct Answer—And Why Most People Miss It
The actual number of people in the gallery is six. So why do so many people miscalculate? It’s because one person is cleverly hidden behind a painting.
If you look closely at the picture labeled number 6, you’ll notice that something is off. Unlike the other portraits hanging on the wall, this one has a portion of the eye cut out, revealing someone standing behind it. This hidden figure is using the painting as a disguise, making it appear as if they are part of the artwork.
This kind of trickery is what makes the puzzle so difficult. It plays with our perception, leading our brains to overlook the most important detail.
Why This Puzzle Is So Challenging
The reason this puzzle is so difficult is that it relies on perceptual expectations—a psychological principle that explains how the human brain tends to fill in missing information based on prior knowledge. Most people expect that all paintings in a gallery are just paintings, so they don’t question their authenticity. Because of this assumption, they fail to notice the subtle difference in picture number 6.
Additionally, the puzzle plays on cognitive bias, where people focus on obvious elements while missing hidden details. When scanning an image, the brain prioritizes familiar patterns, which is why the statue and paintings are mistakenly considered part of the count, while the hidden person remains unnoticed.
The Science Behind Optical Illusions
This puzzle is a great example of an optical illusion—a visual trick that misleads the brain into seeing something that isn’t actually there. Optical illusions occur because our brains process images by making predictions rather than analyzing every single detail.
Dr. Richard Gregory, a well-known neuroscientist who studied visual perception, explained that the brain works by filling in gaps based on experience and expectation. This shortcut helps us navigate the world quickly, but it also makes us prone to misjudgments, as seen in this IQ puzzle.
How to Improve Your Observation Skills
If you enjoy puzzles like this and want to improve your ability to spot hidden details, here are some useful tips:
- Slow Down and Observe Carefully – Instead of rushing to answer, take your time to examine each part of the image.
- Question Your Assumptions – Just because something looks like a painting doesn’t mean it actually is.
- Look for Small Anomalies – Details like slight color variations, shadows, or unusual textures can reveal hidden clues.
- Train Your Brain With More Puzzles – Regularly solving visual riddles and logic games can enhance your ability to detect patterns.
- Practice Mindfulness – Being more present and observant in everyday situations helps sharpen attention to detail.
Why This Puzzle Is So Satisfying to Solve
One of the reasons this IQ puzzle is so enjoyable is that it delivers an “aha” moment—the instant when you finally realize the hidden trick. This moment of discovery triggers the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, the chemical associated with pleasure and learning.
Studies have shown that solving puzzles and analyzing optical illusions can enhance cognitive function, improve memory, and even boost problem-solving skills. That’s why challenges like this one are not only entertaining but also beneficial for brain health.
Final Thoughts
At first glance, this puzzle appears straightforward, but its deceptive nature makes it incredibly challenging. Most people either overcount by including the paintings and statue or undercount by missing the hidden person behind picture number 6. The correct answer is six people, and the key to solving it is paying close attention to subtle details.
This puzzle serves as a great reminder that things are not always as they seem. It challenges our perception, encourages critical thinking, and proves that careful observation can make all the difference. So the next time you come across a tricky visual riddle, take a second, closer look—you never know what secrets might be hiding in plain sight!
