The Sense of Smell by Philippe Mercier. Four young people in 18th-century attire are gathered in a landscape, sniffing melons, flowers, and interacting with a hunting dog.

The Sense of Smell

Philippe Mercier

1744 · Oil Paint, Canvas

A charming 18th-century allegorical scene depicting four figures exploring the olfactory delights of nature.

$243

For the selected configuration

From $129

5 frame sizes

Frame size
Frame color
Mount
Paper type
Glaze

Made to order in ~2 business days · Free U.S. standard shipping (typically 5–8 business days after dispatch)

Where it works

A grounded artwork with confident presence with softened warm notes — holds a formal wall with confidence.

Often works in
Dining Room · Living Room · Study
Placement
Works well when the wall can carry a broader statement
Walls
Benefits from light or mid-tone surroundings
Color notes
Charcoal black, Rich brown, Olive green

About the piece

Painted in 1744 by Philippe Mercier, this work serves as an allegorical representation of the Sense of Smell. Part of a series on the five senses, it captures a group of stylishly dressed young men and women in a soft, verdant landscape. The figures are shown enjoying the scents of freshly harvested melons and a small bouquet of flowers, while a spotted hunting dog at their feet grounds the sensory narrative. The work is a quintessential example of the 'fancy picture' genre, celebrated for its playful charm and sophisticated Rococo sensibility.

More like this