Style Directoire / Ref.9090

Five large decorative paintings from the late 18th century: The Fives senses

Each of these still life paintings have a bottom centered composition just above the title cartouche, with a trompe-l’oeil frame of molding and painted roses on wood, from which hangs a fine garland of flowers and leaves.
"Le Goût": Sense of Taste Traditionally Taste is represented by wine, as was the case as early as the 15th century in the Dame à la licorne tapestry (the Lady with the Unicorn). Here the peach symbolizes smoothness, the grapes sweetness, red currents and cherries a variety of sourness. These all compare to the neutral taste of water in a glass.
"L’Odorat": Sense of Smell Perfumes symbolized by different flowers mingle with smoke from incense in a burner, a bottle of essential oils, one of perfume, a box of unguent, all symbolize the sense of smell.
"Toucher": Sense of Touch The symbols used are riding gear with bit, girth and spur, a branch of thorns, a plant in a pot.
"L’Ouïe": Sense of Hearing Naturally represented by musical instruments: a hunting horn, the bow of a violin, an oboe, a clarinet and some music scores.
"La Vue": Sense of Sight The pleasure we associate with sight has developed the graphic arts. Here, Sight is represented by a book, an anamorphosis pyramid and a painter’s drafting glass. The blue morning glories on the left symbolize charm; the primroses youth and the fritillary admiration.

Size:
Le Goût: Height : 205cm ; Width : 164cm
L’Odorat: Height : 205cm ; Width : 164cm
Le Toucher: Height : 205cm ; Width : 164cm
L’Ouïe: Height :210cm ; Width : 265cm
La Vue : Hieght : 205 cm ;Width : 155cm