Reuk 1736

This is an engraving titled "Reuk" ("Smell"), created by Jacques Philippe Le Bas around 1736. The dominant symbol is the act of smelling itself, a sensory experience deeply intertwined with memory and emotion. The man smelling the flower is reminiscent of classical depictions of Flora, the goddess of flowers, spring, and fertility. The act of smelling, however, transcends mere sensory input. It unlocks a floodgate of memories and associations. Consider how Proust's madeleine, dipped in tea, evoked his entire childhood. Similarly, the scent of this flower may transport this man to another time, another place, a wellspring of personal and collective memories. The way we perceive scent is never neutral, as it evolves, accumulating layers of meaning and cultural significance. In the same way, visual symbols change over time, carrying within them the weight of history and the echo of human experience. This image, therefore, is not merely a representation but a powerful force, engaging us on a subconscious level, drawing us into a timeless dance of memory and emotion.