Great works of art, such as Michelangelo’s David, can trigger aggression, nausea and a desire to destroy the work, according to Italian researchers.
According to this article there is a study being done on the effects of great art on people’s “psyches.” Apparently 20% of people who view David begin to feel aggressive emotions (however most contain themselves, unlike an artist in 1991 who reportedly smashed David’s foot with a hammer.)
I personally have never seen David in person. Though, throughout my art history classes, I’ve seen several pictures of it. I realize that it is quite a bit larger than life-size and that it is extraordinary to view. However, based upon my experience with the art that I have viewed in person, the only desire I’ve ever had that I’m not supposed to do is to touch it–to actually feel the texture of the paint or sculpture.
Ah well, perhaps if I saw Rauschenberg’s pieces in real life, I might suddenly have a case of “David Syndrome.”
