In Vladimir Nabokov's "Lolita," the author distinguishes between two types of visual memory. The first type involves a deliberate and skillful recreation of an image, akin to a mental exercise where one meticulously reconstructs an image from memory. This process occurs in a controlled manner, similar to laboratory work.

On the other hand, the second type of visual memory captures a spontaneous and vivid recollection. This occurs when an individual can conjure an exact replica of a cherished face purely by closing their eyes, experiencing a mental vision that feels alive and vibrant. This second form demonstrates a deeper emotional connection to the memory, as it invokes a sense of warmth and intimacy through the immediacy of the image.