The Smells and Senses of Antiquity in the Modern Imagination

This volume explores the role of smell in the modern rejection, reappraisal, and idealization of antiquity, highlighting its evanescent nature and the rich imagery it connotes. It examines the representation of ancient smells in the visual and performative arts from the late 18th century to the 21st century, including painting, sculpture, literature, film, theatrical performance, museum exhibitions, advertising, television series, historical reenactment, and graphic novels.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This comprehensive volume delves into the often overlooked role of smell in the modern rejection, reappraisal, and idealization of antiquity. Among the senses, olfaction has frequently been disregarded in classical reception studies due to its elusive nature, which makes it challenging to comprehend in its past manifestations. However, the scents associated with specific figures or social groups convey rich imagery that carries specific values, such as perfumes, scents, and foul odors that both reflect and shape the ways in which a society thinks or acts. Moreover, smells play a crucial role in distinguishing between male and female, citizens and strangers, and are essential during rituals.

The Smells and Senses of Antiquity in the Modern Imagination explores the representation of ancient smells in the visual and performative arts from the late 18th century to the 21st century. The individual contributions examine painting, sculpture, literature, film, theatrical performance, museum exhibitions, advertising, television series, historical reenactment, and graphic novels, which have all contributed to reshaping modern audiences' perceptions and experiences of the antique.

By examining the representation of ancient smells in various artistic mediums, this volume sheds light on the complex ways in which the past is interpreted, reimagined, and celebrated in the modern world. It demonstrates the enduring power of smell to evoke emotions, shape cultural identities, and contribute to our understanding of the past.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350251632