Allegory of Smell
This small, rapidly executed oil sketch on paper dates from the period that Vien served as Director of the French Academy in Rome and is inscribed with the classicizing line "Vien ft. Romae." Though it does not relate directly to any finished paintings, it allegorizes the sense of smell with an incense burner, floral garland, and turban signifying the continent of Asia, the source for incense and other olfactory commodities. This sketch was part of a large collection of decorative arts assembled by Paris decorator and dealer, Georges Hoentschel.
Artwork Details
- Title: Allegory of Smell
- Artist: Joseph Marie Vien (French, Montpellier 1716–1809 Paris)
- Date: 1775–81
- Medium: Oil on paper
- Dimensions: Overall: 12 1/2 × 8 3/4 in. (31.8 × 22.2 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1906
- Object Number: 07.225.396
- Curatorial Department: European Paintings
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18th century
Joseph Marie Vien (French, Montpellier 1716–1809 Paris)
ca.1755
Joseph Marie Vien (French, Montpellier 1716–1809 Paris)
ca.1755
Joseph Marie Vien (French, Montpellier 1716–1809 Paris)
1748
Joseph Marie Vien (French, Montpellier 1716–1809 Paris)
ca. 1744–50
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