There is something irresistible about puzzles from the past. They carry the elegance of old illustrations mixed with the same playful curiosity we still enjoy today. This 1880s drawing, originally created as a children’s puzzle card, is a perfect example — a delicate rose hiding a secret that only the most observant eyes will catch. Ready to put your perception to the test?
The challenge of the rose
Take a close look at the drawing. At first glance, it appears to be nothing more than a beautifully shaded rose, the kind you might find in a vintage botanical book. But hidden within its petals is the face of a young girl, cleverly woven into the curves and lines of the flower.
Your mission is simple: spot the girl’s face in under 20 seconds. These illusions rely on what the National Eye Institute describes as the brain’s tendency to prioritise familiar patterns — and sometimes, those familiar shapes hide in the very last place you expect.
So pause, breathe and let your eyes wander gently across the illustration.
The reveal — did you spot it?
If you managed to find the hidden face, well done — you have a keen eye for detail. If you are still searching, here is a small hint: try viewing the image from a different angle. Turn it upside down, and suddenly the petals shift into something entirely new. The gentle outline of a forehead, the suggestion of eyes, a nose and a mouth emerge almost magically from the rose’s folds.
This is the quiet brilliance of vintage illusions: a simple rotation transforms the image, revealing the hidden portrait concealed within.
A delightful reminder to keep looking closer
Whether you cracked it instantly or only spotted the face after the reveal, the fun lies in the process. Optical illusions like this strengthen visual perception, give your brain a touch of exercise and offer a lovely moment of surprise — the kind you may want to share with family or friends to see who finds it fastest.
And if this little challenge captured your curiosity, keep exploring. The world of historical puzzles is full of clever drawings, secret shapes and mind-bending tricks waiting to be rediscovered. Sometimes, all it takes is a second look — or simply turning the picture around — to see what was there all along.
