The Smell, or the Unconscious Patient
- Original dimensions
- 17.7 x 21.5 cm
Scene depicted
At the heart of this composition, the work transports us to a suspended moment, where a human figure, ineffable in its appearance, seems absorbed in its reflections. The scene evokes the quintessence of the senses while exploring psychological depth and the quest for identity. Rembrandt , in his quest to explore the inner world, captures the evanescence of olfactory perception, thus creating a parallel reality where emotion materializes.
Historical context
Œuvre : The Sense of Smell, or The Unconscious Patient |BRK| Artiste : Rembrandt |BRK| Année : 1624 |BRK| Musée : Not specified |BRK| Dimensions : 17.7 x 21.5 cm |BRK| Expositions majeures : The Promise of Youth: Rembrandt ’s Senses Rediscovered at the Getty Museum |BRK|
Place in the artist's career
The Sense of Smell, or The Unconscious Patient represents a turning point in the already promising career of Rembrandt . At that time, he had already captivated his audience with works such as The Night Watch and The Return of the Prodigal Son , demonstrating unparalleled technical mastery. This painting embodies a period where emotional depth begins to prevail over mere effects of light, thus marking a significant turning point in his artistic evolution.
Anecdote
“Light is my accomplice; it captures the invisible.” Rembrandt , immersed in the misty atmosphere of his studio, was struck by a sudden fragrance, thus inspiring this painting . The scent, evanescent, seemed to him a tangible reality that he translated with a unique sensitivity, engraving on the canvas the intimacy of this fleeting moment.