Reuk 1683 - 1710

This is an engraving called 'Reuk' by Bernard Picart, made in the 17th or 18th century. The scene unfolds with delicate lines and carefully etched textures, inviting us to consider its underlying structure. Note how Picart uses the landscape to frame the figures, creating a tableau that feels both intimate and staged. The way the light falls, rendered through hatching and cross-hatching, directs our gaze. We see a man and woman in a garden setting, deeply engaged with the scent of flowers. This focus on a single sense—smell—foregrounds the artwork's exploration of sensory experience. How does Picart's emphasis on the olfactory destabilize the traditional hierarchy of the senses, where sight is often privileged? This piece challenges us to reconsider how we perceive and value the world around us, reminding us that art is not just about seeing but about experiencing.