Psychologists who have studied how viewers react to art works, find that the reactions are often manifested physically, with chills running down their spines, the catching of breath, smiles, tears...especially for those people who are open to the experience of exploring a work and who have at least some fundamental knowledge of art.
Each individual's reaction to an artwork is different, depending on their history, culture, mood, past experiences and familiarity to the art world.
Much of the work we admire makes us feel good, which is why we want to surround ourselves with it. Even works that evoke stronger emotions, provocative work, is thrilling to gaze upon.