An Allegory of the Sense of Smell
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About Reproduction
Bring the timeless beauty of Nicolaes Maes's An Allegory of the Sense of Smell into your home with a handmade oil painting reproduction. Carefully recreated on canvas by skilled artists using traditional techniques, this piece captures the delicate brushwork, subtle light, and vibrant color of the original masterpiece. With museum-level quality and rich texture, it brings elegance and artistic depth to any space. Enjoy free shipping and make this masterpiece a part of your personal collection.
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Original Description
Nicolaes Maes' An Allegory of the Sense of Smell (c. 1650) immerses viewers in the opulent domesticity of 17th-century Dutch Golden Age painting. This exquisite oil work depicts a young woman delicately plucking petals from a pink rose, surrounded by lush floral arrangements and an ornate still life of porcelain and silverware. Maes masterfully employs chiaroscuro to highlight the sensuous textures of velvet sleeves, translucent petals, and polished surfaces, creating an atmosphere of restrained luxury. As part of his allegorical series on the five senses—a popular genre among Dutch bourgeoisie—this painting reflects both Calvinist morality and emerging scientific curiosity about human perception. The composition reveals Maes' transition from Rembrandt's pupil to an independent master of genre scenes, bridging dramatic Baroque lighting with meticulous detail that anticipates the precision of Vermeer.
When displaying An Allegory of the Sense of Smell in contemporary interiors, position it as a focal point in refined spaces like formal dining rooms or executive offices. Its 36 x 29 cm dimensions suit intimate viewing distances, ideally hung at eye level (150 cm from floor to center) in custom-gilded frames echoing its warm umber tones. Complement the artwork's Old Master elegance with Georgian-style furnishings or minimalist Scandinavian pieces in walnut finishes, allowing its rich color palette—dominated by carmine reds and emerald greens—to harmonize with jewel-toned upholstery or botanical textiles. For lighting, install adjustable LED spotlights (2700K temperature) to recreate Maes' dramatic illumination. In modern settings, balance its ornate quality with clean-lined decor and monochrome accents, letting the painting's narrative depth elevate the space's sophistication.
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Lead Time & Shipping
When you order this oil painting replica, it typically takes 2-3 weeks to paint. If the artwork is more complex, it might need a little more time to ensure the best quality. Once it's ready, we'll send you a photo for your approval. After you give the green light, we'll ship it to you for free.
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Return & Refund
We believe in the quality of our hand-painted oil painting reproductions, and your satisfaction is our priority. If for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 45-day return policy. You can return your artwork within 45 days of receipt and receive a full refund. Please note that the artwork must be returned in the original packaging and in the same condition as it was received.
