Reuk 1739

Alexander van Haecken created this mezzotint titled 'Reuk', the Dutch word for 'smell,' sometime in the first half of the 18th century. This work evokes a sense of the social and cultural values of the time, particularly regarding gender and class. In this piece, we see a woman in a state of undress, her gaze lowered, as she delicately inhales the fragrance of a flower. A basket overflowing with blossoms rests in her arms. The work is evocative of sensuality and the aesthetic appreciation of nature. While seemingly innocent, the depiction flirts with the representation of women as objects of beauty and pleasure. The soft rendering of the figure hints at the male gaze prevalent in much of the art of this era. Consider, too, how such imagery might have been consumed. Was it a private indulgence for a wealthy collector, or did it serve a broader social function in shaping ideals of femininity? 'Reuk' invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between art, gender, and the senses in the 18th century.