Smell c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have "Smell" by Pieter de Jode the Elder, an intriguing engraving. It feels like a Renaissance allegory. What symbols jump out at you? Curator: The dogs immediately draw my attention. Dogs were commonly associated with the sense of smell, naturally, but also with fidelity and loyalty, virtues often linked to courtly love. Do you see how that interplay between the senses and societal values might be at play? Editor: Yes, I see the connection. So, smell isn't just about the physical sense, it's also about these deeper cultural meanings? Curator: Precisely. The image becomes a commentary on the sensory experience within a specific social and moral framework.