In "Winter's Tale," author Mark Helprin explores the mindset of art connoisseurs, depicting them as individuals who retain a detachment from color in their appreciation of paintings. Rather than being deeply affected by the hues and emotions conveyed through art, these connoisseurs tend to dominate their subject, treating color almost as a possession. This indifference creates a barrier between them and the immersive experience that art can provide.

Helprin further likens these connoisseurs to gourmets who meticulously arrange their food before consumption, emphasizing a tendency to prioritize the intellectual understanding of art over emotional engagement. This leads to a blurring of lines between true beauty and mere knowledge, illustrating a deeper commentary on how passion can be overshadowed by expertise in the pursuit of appreciation.