The Scent of Graeco-Roman Sculpture
Istituto Svedese di Studi Classici a Roma
Via Omero 14
Roma
Data evento
2 December 2025
The use of perfumes in the ancient Mediterranean world is well documented, particularly in relation to the human body and the creation of scented environments. This lecture explores a lesser-known dimension of ancient olfactory culture: the application of perfumes to sculptures. Recent research has shown that ancient statues were not only polychrome and adorned with accessories and textiles, but in some cases also scented, thereby engaging ancient viewers through both visual and olfactory stimuli.
The presentation will explore a range of source materials, focusing primarily on written testimonies, as well as archaeological and iconographic evidence related to the use of scents in ancient statuary.
By integrating the study of ancient perfumes with current research on sculpture, this talk offers new insights into the multisensory nature of art in Antiquity. It broadens our understanding of how scent functioned beyond personal, bodily care and ritual, and how it contributed to the aesthetic and experiential qualities of sculptural works.