Stendhal Syndrome: Ecstasy and Exhaustion in the Modern Museum

This essay explores Stendhal Syndrome, an intense emotional response to encountering masterpieces of art, contrasting it with the modern museum-going experience. Beginning with Stendhal's overwhelming experience in Florence, the piece details his profound emotional reaction to art. It then contrasts this with the hurried pace of modern museum visitors, arguing that the current approach prevents genuine engagement with art. The author suggests that a deeper, more Stendhalian experience is crucial for true appreciation of art.