Optical illusions have a unique way of captivating the eye and challenging the mind — and some of them are nothing short of iconic.
I first encountered this particular image when I was a child, and even back then, it left me puzzled. Today, it’s gone viral, viewed by millions across the globe. What makes this illusion so legendary is its deceptively simple trick: it contains two distinct images hidden within a single frame — yet most people can only see one at first glance.
For well over a century, this mind-bending picture has baffled viewers and sparked countless debates. It dates all the way back to 1888 — the same year the first phone line connected Stockholm and Gothenburg, and the wax drinking straw was patented.
Originally printed in Germany as a postcard by a company called The Anchor Buggy Company, the image was distributed without any hint of its dual nature. But before long, recipients began to sense there was more than met the eye. Something about the picture just felt… off. And that’s when the illusion began to reveal its clever secret.
Can you spot the two faces hidden in the portrait?
This clever illustration was the work of British cartoonist W.E. Hill — an artist who knew exactly what he was doing. At the time, though, he assumed the subtle trick would fly right over the public’s head, according to All Cute All The Time.
And for a while, he was right. Months passed without much reaction. The image went mostly unnoticed as Hill quietly continued his career in cartooning. But then, something unexpected happened — whispers turned into curiosity, and curiosity turned into fascination. As more and more people caught on to the illusion, Hill’s once-overlooked creation exploded in popularity, earning him thousands of admirers almost overnight.
W.E. Hill titled his iconic illusion “Young Girl–Old Woman.” At first glance, some viewers see a stylish young woman glancing over her shoulder — but with just a shift in perspective, the image transforms into an elderly woman, her chin tucked toward her chest.
This groundbreaking optical illusion was the first of its kind, and despite the countless visual tricks that have followed over the years, Hill’s creation has stood the test of time. From classrooms to psychology textbooks to viral social media posts, his clever sketch has captured the imaginations of millions — perhaps even billions — around the world.
Now it’s your turn — take a good look at the image above. Can you spot both faces hidden in the illusion?
As mentioned earlier, the drawing cleverly shows two figures in one: a young woman turning away and an older woman looking downward with a somber expression.
Some people see one instantly, while others take a bit longer — and that’s the magic of it!
Still having trouble? Don’t worry — the video below will guide you through the trick and help you see both sides of this timeless illusion.
