Conversation Piece (The Sense of Smell) 1791

Jan Ekels the Younger created this painting, Conversation Piece (The Sense of Smell), during the late 18th century, a time when the Dutch Republic was in decline and cultural identity was shifting. Ekels presents a seemingly genteel scene, yet it subtly hints at the social dynamics of the period. The act of taking snuff—inhaling powdered tobacco—was a popular activity among the elite, but here it seems to also operate as a marker of gender and class. Who has access to such luxuries, and what does it mean to partake? The woman’s presence introduces gendered expectations, subtly challenging traditional roles, and hinting at changing social mores. The emotional ambiguity in their expressions invites us to consider the unspoken narratives and social rituals that governed their interactions. This piece is an intimate glimpse into the social rituals of the time, inviting us to consider how these rituals shaped identity and social standing.