The scent Jan Miense Molenaer (1610-1668)

The composition presents a domestic scene imbued with a palpable sense of discomfort and humor. Here we observe three figures: a man, a woman, and an infant, arranged around a simple wooden table. The man, positioned on the left side of the frame, is depicted in a posture of exaggerated distress; his face contorted in what appears to be a grimace, one hand covering his eyes while the other rests upon his forehead. His clothing suggests a working-class status – dark, coarse garments with visible wear and tear.
The woman stands adjacent to him, her expression markedly different. She smiles broadly, almost mischievously, and holds a cloth towards the infant seated on her lap. Her attire is comparatively clean and well-maintained, indicating a degree of domesticity and perhaps a slightly elevated social standing compared to the man. The child’s face is rendered with an unsettlingly large and somewhat grotesque expression, further contributing to the overall atmosphere of awkwardness.
The table itself serves as a focal point, bearing a small bowl or container and what appears to be a knife or utensil. These objects suggest a meal in progress, though the circumstances surrounding it are far from pleasant. The lighting is uneven, with strong highlights illuminating the faces of the woman and child while casting the man’s face into shadow, reinforcing his discomfort.
Subtextually, the painting seems to explore themes of familial dynamics and social class through humor and satire. The mans reaction suggests an aversion to a particular odor emanating from the infant – hence the title’s implication. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the realities of domestic life, where unpleasantness is often unavoidable. The woman’s amused expression implies a degree of detachment or even enjoyment at her husband’s expense, hinting at power dynamics within the relationship. The childs exaggerated features contribute to the comedic effect, potentially serving as a visual representation of the challenges and frustrations inherent in parenting.
The artist has skillfully employed facial expressions and body language to convey a complex narrative, inviting viewers to contemplate the nuances of human interaction and the often-uncomfortable realities of everyday life. The scene is not merely a depiction of an unpleasant smell; it’s a study of reactions, social roles, and the subtle tensions that can exist within even the most intimate settings.