Reuk (Olfactus) 1542 - 1546

Georg Pencz's "Reuk (Olfactus)" from 1542-1546 is a detailed engraving depicting the sense of smell personified by a nude woman. The woman is seated, smelling a bouquet of flowers, while a bird sits beside her, symbolizing the connection to nature. Pencz's mastery of line and detail is evident in the intricate rendering of the woman's form, the flowers, and the bird. The artwork is an example of the Renaissance fascination with the human senses and their representation in art. The engraving, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a testament to Pencz's skill and a visual exploration of human perception.