The Stendhal syndrome is a term used to describe feeling overwhelmed by the beauty of a work of art. The name comes from the French writer Stendhal, who wrote about the dizzying sensation of seeing the art in Florence. It’s somewhat similar to the Jerusalem syndrome, where visitors to that city are overtaken with emotion from standing in the same spots as biblical figures. This is part of a complete episode.
Transcript of “Stendhal Syndrome”
We had a question sent in from Mark Baltsley from Wisconsin who wanted to know he was thinking that there was some kind of German word that explains the act of being physically shaken by an experience of beauty, like being moved to tears by a work of art.
And we do have an answer for him. It’s not exactly a German word. It’s called the Stendhal syndrome. It’s a reference to the French writer who wrote about the dizzying disorientation that tourists experience when they go to Florence.
You know, and they go to the Uffizi and they go to all those museums and see all the gorgeous art. And some people just have this overwhelming emotional experience.
There’s also something called the Jerusalem syndrome.
I was just going to mention that.
Yeah, exactly that. Same thing. People go and they’re overwhelmed by the religious history of the place.
Exactly.
And thinking that this is where Jesus and other figures of note may have stood.
Right.
So, Stendhal syndrome.
Stendhal syndrome.
S-T-E-N-D-A-H-L.
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