Neurological studies of the recently discovered mirror neuron system have allowed insights into the important connections between empathy, objects of art and material culture, and human understanding. Such insights reinforce an original connection between aesthetics and empathy, or "Einfuhlung", dating from 1873. Mirror neurons, empathy, and aesthetic response have implications that are explored through the still life, which, from neuroscientific and neuroaesthetics perspectives, can be understood as a "moving" life. Using the results of current neurological investigations, this article examines the relationship between mirror neurons, empathy, and aesthetic response as it developed among preservice teachers who presented still life paintings and other metaphorical works of art in two teacher education courses. Two presentations in particular allow new insights with implications for art and museum education. (Contains 31 notes.)