Allegory of Smell

An inscription on the back of this oil sketch reads “Vien ft. Romae” identifying the artist of this allegorical sketch as Joseph-Marie Vien (1716–1809). This small and rapidly executed work dates to the last quarter of the 18th century when Vien served as Director of the French Academy in Rome from 1775–1781. The reclining woman most likely represents the Sense of Smell. Placed between two fluted columns, a large classical vessel draws the viewer’s attention to the background. The smoke wafting up identifies the urn as a perfume burner and suggests a fragrant scent filling the space. The floral garland held by a winged putto can also be understood as a symbol of smell. A turban is often worn by female personifications of the Continent Asia from where incense and other olfactory commodities were imported to Europe.



This sketch was part of a large collection of woodwork, seat furniture, decorative paintings, and gilt-bronze mounts formerly in the possession of the Paris decorator and dealer, Georges Hoentschel. Hoentschel’s collection was acquired in 1906 by the financier J.P. Morgan, then serving as the Museum’s President, and formed the founding gift to the Met of the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Department.