As part of an empirical research project, the question of the extent to which aesthetic observation can evoke feelings of pleasure in Swiss people was investigated. 93 participants submitted photographs of objects that they associate with sensuality, pleasure or lust. The analysis of the data allowed the objects submitted to be categorised into four overarching categories, with functional use and emotional charge through memories, rituals and personal narratives identified as key factors. The results show that aesthetic pleasure is usually not based on the formal nature of an object, but is essentially determined by subjective attributions of meaning and symbolic contexts.