Smell Theory

While our ability to perceive scents is based on genetics and physical factors, our interpretation of those scents is largely shaped by our personal experiences, culture and even heritage. The human experience is fraught with scents and these are often imbedded in our memory, parallel to the event or situation they accompanied. These associations can be so strong and emotionally charged, that we can often recall and recreate in our minds a favorite smell from childhood, or the scent of a loved one who has long passed on.

These recollections can occur voluntarily and deliberately, or involuntarily when some scent serves as a trigger or cue for the brain to recall certain events and associations, as explored extensively in Proust’s À la recherche du temps perdu or Remembrance of Things Past.

We inhabit a world that has become both more and less fragrant. Indeed, fragrance has been introduced into more and more products, with the dual effect of masking the true scent of the human experience, as well as creating a form of sensorial overload in many cases, so that it becomes impossible to distinguish between those scents that we truly are drawn to, as opposed to those which are imposed upon us.

While there are numerous excellent resources dedicated to fragrance and product reviews, my intent is to analyze these creations through the historical and/or social context that they were developed in. As is the case with any experience, it is difficult to remove oneself from the equation when describing one’s perceptions, so a portion of the “history” of these fragrances will understandably be my own.

Ultimately, the success of any product is dependent upon its ability to imbed itself into our imagination and create a psychological imprint. We select fragrances for so many reasons and occasions. Whether one has developed a signature scent or amassed a treasure trove of quintessence, there is certainly a fragrance to suit each mood and situation. I greatly look forward to exploring them with you!

Branche de pivoines blanches et secateur (1864)
Edouard Manet