Lugtesansen 1660 - 1704

Curator: Immediately I’m struck by how grotesque yet fascinating this little scene is! There’s almost a magnetic pull, isn’t there, despite the obvious…unpleasantness? Editor: Precisely! Let’s dive in. What we're looking at is a mezzotint titled "Lugtesansen," or "The Sense of Smell" dating somewhere between 1660 and 1704. It’s the work of Cornelis Dusart. And as the title implies, it's an exploration—albeit a rather pungent one—of how we experience the world through our noses. Curator: A very visceral depiction, might I add! That central figure vomiting into what appears to be a puddle is certainly memorable. There's a gag reflex quality about it, so what's the cultural significance of spotlighting that? Is Dusart making a point about overindulgence, perhaps? Editor: That’s quite plausible. Throughout history, artists have used vomiting—particularly projectile vomiting like we see here—to symbolize a release, often from something toxic. This could represent a moral or spiritual purging, but it could also be a commentary on the excesses of the time. We must remember that these kinds of prints were often satirical! Curator: Right, I get that entirely! It reads as more than just about physical sickness, that's what stands out to me. Then look at the other characters surrounding him, they almost react with exaggerated gestures, some holding their noses. Each reaction heightens that physical feeling in you. Do you think Dusart wants us, as the viewer, to smell what's happening in the artwork? Editor: Definitely. Smell is strongly tied to memory and emotion, which is what allows images like this to speak volumes, across eras. The mezzotint technique gives it a wonderful tonality, making even something grotesque weirdly captivating. I think Dusart knew exactly what buttons he was pushing, provoking reactions far beyond mere disgust. Curator: It's undeniably unforgettable. And that, in itself, is a powerful statement. The more you think about it, a piece like this says less about physical scent but everything about how scent, when coupled with human experience, etches itself into our minds, often unforgettably! Editor: Absolutely! “Lugtesansen” doesn't merely depict a moment; it evokes a primal experience, reminding us of the inescapable power of our senses to shape our perceptions and memories. A masterclass in visual storytelling.