A Man holding a Carnation to a Woman's Nose. An Allegory of the Sense of Smell 1660

Editor: So this is "A Man Holding a Carnation to a Woman's Nose: An Allegory of the Sense of Smell" by Nicolaes Maes, painted around 1660. It's definitely a very Dutch Golden Age scene. I immediately get a sense of intimacy and maybe a hint of the theatrical, given the title. What do you see in this piece beyond the surface narrative? Curator: Well, look at how Maes has used the carnation itself. The flower isn’t simply a prop; it's a charged emblem. Throughout history, the carnation has symbolized love, engagement, and memory. Considering the 'allegory of smell,' might this point to scent as a trigger for memories and feelings associated with affection? Do you think the expression on the woman's face signifies how scent evokes specific associations or past moments? Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn’t thought about the historical significance of the carnation itself. It almost reads like a coded message about relationships in that period. So is he subtly implying the complexity of romantic relationships through this sensory experience? Curator: Precisely. Maes layers meaning through symbolic objects. The act of smelling, of discerning a scent, becomes analogous to deciphering social cues and hidden emotions. Is she pleased or perhaps cautiously amused by the gesture? Notice the man's offering compared to her slightly aloof reception. What do you think it all conveys? Editor: I see it now! The painting feels less straightforward and more nuanced. It’s like a conversation about attraction, social performance, and maybe even the fleeting nature of sensory pleasure. I hadn't picked up on so much of that at first glance. Curator: Exactly. Images have layers like skin and flesh that reflect emotional and historical dimensions. Engaging with those layers opens up avenues of interpretation, making the act of viewing more fulfilling.