The "Dying Gaul," museum officials call it a "turn on"
by Nicole Martinelli
Husky whispers, audacious approaches, speedy lust: according to a group of psychologists in Rome, museums are fast becoming a favorite for erotic adventures. Of the two million Italians who visited museums in 2000, 20% had some kind of "romantic interlude" while taking in the masterpieces.
Scholars at the Institute of Psychoanalytic Studies are calling the state of arousal inspired by art Rubens Syndrome. "Cultural seduction has always existed," noted sex expert Willy Pasini. "Clearly, from ancient times on, sculptures and statues have acted as catalysts to bring out eroticism."
A bit more surprising, perhaps, is that the hallowed halls of art are so high up the list of pick-up places — second only to the beach. The study noted only ‘marginal’ encounters happened in traditional meeting places such as night clubs, concerts and trains.
A guard at the Capitoline Museums in Rome confirmed the trend: "We often catch people being affectionate and sometimes more, but we’re not surprised. Take, for example, the incredible eroticism of the "Dying Gaul" statue, it’s hard to resist. Especially because visitors can walk around it and really take in the sensuous curves."
Not all artists are equally inspiring, the study noted a Caravaggio painting or Greek sculptures are considered more erotic than paintings by Venetian masters Veronese or Tiepolo.
Researchers found these top Italian’s list of amorously-inspiring art places: Palazzo Doria in Genoa, followed by Milan’s Pinacoteca and Turin’s Modern Art Gallery.
Related resources:
Eyewitness Travel Guide to Italy (revised)
