Who painted The Sense of Smell?

The Sense of Smell was painted by Krzysztof Lubieniecki in 1720.

Where can I see The Sense of Smell?

The Sense of Smell is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is The Sense of Smell?

The Sense of Smell is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

The Sense of Smell

Krzysztof Lubieniecki , 1720

The Sense of Smell is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Krzysztof Lubieniecki. It dates from 1720 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1720, *The Sense of Smell* is an oil painting by Krzysztof Lubieniecki, a Polish artist who worked in Amsterdam during the Dutch Golden Age. The work exemplifies the lighter, decorative tendencies of the Rococo period and is part of the collection of Denmark’s Statens Museum for Kunst.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas shows two gentlemen dressed in early‑18th‑century fashion, one seated and the other standing, both engaged with tobacco. The seated figure holds a pipe, while his companion appears to be inhaling. Set against a stone building with a steep roof and leafy surroundings, the scene conveys a relaxed, convivial atmosphere linked to the sense of smell.

Technique & Style

Lubieniecki employs the fluid brushwork and pastel palette typical of Rococo painting, using oil to render delicate textures in fabric, smoke, and foliage. The composition balances figures and architecture, while the subtle modeling of light creates a gentle, atmospheric effect that emphasizes the leisurely moment.

History & Provenance

After its completion in the early 18th century, the painting entered various private collections before being acquired by the Statens Museum for Kunst, where it remains on display. Its provenance reflects the artist’s transnational career, bridging Polish origins and Dutch artistic circles.

Context

The work belongs to a series of allegorical pieces exploring the five senses, a popular theme in Baroque and Rococo art. By focusing on smell through the act of smoking, Lubieniecki aligns with contemporary interests in sensory experience, social interaction, and the pleasures of everyday life.

Artist & collection

Artist

Krzysztof Lubieniecki

Krzysztof Lubieniecki or Christoffel Lubienietzky (1659–1729) was a Polish Baroque painter and engraver active in Amsterdam during the Dutch Golden Age.