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Fleeting - Scents in Colour

The Cultural Significance of Scent in Seventeenth-Century Art

Ariana van Suchtelen author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Uitgeverij de Kunst

Published:19th May '21

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Fleeting - Scents in Colour cover

This book explores the portrayal of scent in seventeenth-century art, examining its cultural significance and sensory experiences. Fleeting - Scents in Colour offers a unique perspective on history.

In Fleeting - Scents in Colour, the authors delve into the intricate relationship between scent and art during the seventeenth century. This era was rich with diverse aromas, from fragrant flowers and luxurious perfumes to the less pleasant odors of canals and body scents. The book explores how these sensory experiences influenced well-being and the perception of beauty in art. By examining the cultural significance attached to various smells, the authors uncover the ways in which scent shaped the lives and artistic expressions of people in this fascinating period.

The investigation extends beyond mere descriptions of odors; it seeks to understand how artists portrayed smell in their work and the meanings that were ascribed to these representations. What role did new aromas from distant lands, such as spices and coffee, play in the artistic narrative? How did the fading scents of traditional crafts and industries impact the sensory landscape of the time? These questions guide the authors as they conduct smell-historical research, providing readers with a comprehensive view of how scent intertwined with art.

To enhance the experience, Fleeting - Scents in Colour also includes the preparation of historic scents related to the artworks featured in the exhibition. This innovative approach allows readers to engage with the material on a deeper level, inviting them to not only see but also to smell the art, thereby bringing the seventeenth century to life in a unique and immersive way.

“Art is for the eyes, but what about the nose? Can it rouse our olfactory senses?” - Laura Cumming, Guardian

ISBN: 9789462623293

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 782g

128 pages