…and time itself took wings…
The only reason why Paul started working as a waiter, was that the world still hadn’t discovered his self-proclaimed, outstanding talent as a painter. However, fifteen years later he was still waiting tables at the same restaurant. By then, his certainty of being the world’s next Picasso had transformed into a conviction that he was its leading expert in Italian Renaissance Art.
His interest became his obsession. The only thing he cared to talk about now was his upcoming trip to Florence. While saving his tip money, he confidently shared his book knowledge with anybody who cared to listen.
When the day for his departure came, everybody was relieved. By then, the patient old dishwasher could have dabbled as a tourist guide in the Medici Chapel, some bright servers could have taught classes on Raphael or David, and the restaurant’s steady customers could have found their way from Ponte Vecchio to Palazzo Strozzi.
Once in Florence, Paul was extremely excited. The very first morning, he started out with his favorite, Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus at the Uffizi Gallery. When finally there, facing the exquisite painting, everything suddenly seemed unreal to him. He felt dizzy and the room started spinning. An intense, bright light exploded in his head, the world turned white, and time itself took wings and flew backwards. As Paul disappeared into nothingness, he heard Venus’ voice: “Time for Re-birth! Happy Re-naissance, Paul!”
He woke up at the local hospital, where a doctor sat down with him. “You suffered from Stendhal syndrome,” he explained. “It’s a psychosomatic condition, which can include heart problems, fainting and hallucinations. It happens to some people when exposed to art objects of great beauty.” The doctor warned him that it might happen again and Paul decided to stay at his hotel until it was time to go back.
It was a different Paul who returned to the restaurant. When asked about his experience, he quietly mumbled, “Botticelli’s painting really spoke to me.”
Paul continued working at the restaurant until his retirement, appreciated by customers and colleagues alike for his humble and modest appearance.
Comments without a personalized avatar will not be published.
To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThis story is about a syndrome I had never heard about until only a few days ago, when looking for something interesting to write about that was connected to “Time”. I found the following article that might interest other Voice.club readers:
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20220110-stendhal-syndrome-the-travel-syndrome-that-causes-panic
Now, of course, in the spirit of the story’s young Paul, I wonder how many people will faint while reading my story…
Having visited Florence, I can totally relate to feeling overwhelmed with its beauty and wonderful pieces of art and sculpture. Especially Michaelangelo’s David. But thankfully I never experienced Stendhal syndrome. It’s amazing what research can uncover Christer and how skillfully you have used it in your story. Having saved and waited all that time to travel only to suffer this condition on his very first visit to the gallery is so unfair… Read more »
Lol! I’m glad if I made your head spin a little, Linda. And it makes me happy to see that you can relate to Florence by your own experience, which I cannot. 🙁 At first, the story was only about an arrogant young man whose highly anticipated trip ended abruptly with Stendhal syndrome and he had to go back in shame after only a few minutes’ art experience, and after having wasted… Read more »
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleNice one, Christer!! Funny that a couple of nights ago I watched a movie from an Italian director, Dario Argento, called The Stendhal Syndrome, something I enjoyed and many can relate to…
I love coincidences, Greene, and this is a great one! I saw that there is a movie with that name and that it got very good reviews. I would love to see it, but unfortunately Netflix doesn’t have it. You are probably one of very few people who know about the syndrome already before reading my story.
Thank you Christer for teaching me about Stendhal Syndrome. Interesting how Paul was taught to be humble by Venus!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you, Margarida. The story’s themes came together almost by itself, with Paul’s rebirth while studying renaissance art and while looking at the birth of Venus. Since she is the goddess of love, she had some useful things to teach Paul. I think he became a happier man after his experience.
Wow. Good work, Christer. I really enjoyed it. I want to say thank you for the new knowledge about “Stendhal syndrome or Florence syndrome.”
I am glad you enjoyed the story, Lotchie. I see you must have done some research, since you found out that the syndrome also is called “Florence syndrome.” You might have seen pictures of Stendhal, the French writer whose name was used for the syndrome, and who wrote, “Be careful in Florence. That city can have very strange effects on you.”
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYes, I saw the picture of Marie-Henri Beyle, better known by his pen name, Stendhal.
Hi Christer, loved this story as it brought back happy memories of Florence and the short time I was there. I love the way that you speak as though you know the place very well. Poor Paul that he wasn’t really there long enough to enjoy it.
It’s a good thing you were able to enjoy Florence without suffering from any syndrome or being too overwhelmed, even if you were there just for a limited time. Poor Paul could have enjoyed the beauties only for a few minutes. And I have never been there! Lol. Thanks for your comment, Sandra!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleAn interesting story, Christer. I hadn’t come across Stendhal syndrome before. It’s always nice to learn something new, even when reading fiction. I loved how your protagonist’s personality changed / matured as the tale progressed. Nicely done.
Thank you, Carrie. I have also enjoyed learning new facts as well as new words many times while reading stories written by my friends here on Voice.club. It’s always a pleasure. During the process of writing about Paul, I went from making him a laughing stock at the restaurant for his failure to enjoy the art in Florence, to making him into a humble and well liked man thanks to the experience… Read more »
Your picture drew me in, Christer. I couldn’t wait to see what you had to say about the Birth of Venus! I was hanging on your every word, couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I was not expecting Stendhal Syndrome! Especially since I had never heard of it until now. How interesting and intriguing. What a wonderful site of world travelers and art connoisseurs we do have here! I feel like… Read more »
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleStendhal syndrome seems to surprise everybody! It even surprised poor Paul, although he was an art expert (which I can’t really say that I am). However, I liked to play with the themes of birth – re-birth – renaissance, and to let Paul’s unexpected transformation into a new person be the outcome of it all. I’m glad if I could give you something surprising and unknown and yes, this site with its… Read more »
Christer, the opening lines/paragraph were my favorite part of this piece. They drew me in immediately. You are very talented at capturing your reader’s attention! I loved the story. I have heard about Stendhal Syndrome and it was such a nice surprise and twist that you incorporated it here with your character’s experience. I think we can all relate to feeling overwhelmed by something so incredibly beautiful…and timeless. Excellent story.
It made me very happy to read your nice words, Heather. Thank you very much! I think you are the first person here that already knew about this syndrome. Very impressive! Concerning the feeling of being overwhelmed by something very beautiful, I’m not sure that it goes very deep into everybody. If it does however, it certainly is something to be grateful for, even if there is a slight risk of losing… Read more »
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleChrister, I have learned something new today. Reading your comment to Linda, I’m glad your protagonist returned as a changed, better man. It is interesting how one event can change who you are and how you view life. I enjoyed reading this.
Sometimes there are surprises in life. Not only favorable things that we wish for, but sometimes also things that seem to be unfortunate, can turn out to be fortunate in the long run. I think what happened to Paul in Florence was good for him. He became a better and more liked man. Thanks for your kind words, Marianna.
This is a great story, Christer – educational as well as entertaining and inspiring. Great art truly can change people’s lives!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleAs a professional musician, I am sure you can relate in a profound way to this idea, Julie. Music as well as other kinds of art can change and influence us in a very deep sense. I am happy that the story spoke to you, Julie.