Discover the rich, multisensory experience of ancient art, where statues were not only painted in vibrant colors but also perfumed with exotic fragrances. Uncover the surprising truth behind classical art’s most intimate secrets.
The traditional perception of classical art as purely visual has been challenged by a new Danish study published in the Oxford Journal of Archaeology.
The research, led by Cecilie Brøns, has uncovered that some ancient statues were not only painted in warm colors but also perfumed.
A New Sensory Dimension to Ancient Statues
According to Brøns, ‘a white marble statue was not intended to be perceived as a statue in stone. It was supposed to resemble a real god or goddess.‘ This practice, documented in literary and epigraphic texts, suggests that the sensory experience of ancient viewers was far richer than previously believed.
The Significance of Perfume in Ancient Greece and Rome
In ancient Greece and Rome, gods were honored with exotic fragrances and scented oils. The sanctuary of Delos, for example, details the costs and composition of the perfumes used for the kosmesis (adornment) of statues of Artemis and Hera. These included olive oils, beeswax, natron (sodium carbonate), and rose perfumes.
Archaeological Evidence
Archaeologists have found evidence of local fragrance production in Delos, confirming that the scented oils used in rituals could have been made on the same island. A notable case is the portrait of Queen Berenice II, a Ptolemaic sculpture from the 3rd century BCE, where beeswax residues have been identified on its surface.
A Multisensory Experience
The study emphasizes the significance of multi-sensory experiences, particularly scent, in religious and artistic expression in the ancient world. By exploring these traditions, scholars and practitioners might deepen their understanding of how past civilizations honored their deities through sight, touch, and fragrance.
Multi-sensory experiences combine visual, auditory, and tactile elements to engage individuals on multiple levels.
This approach has been used in various fields, including entertainment, education, and therapy.
Studies have shown that multi-sensory experiences can improve memory retention, increase emotional response, and enhance overall understanding.
For instance, 'virtual reality (VR)' technology provides an immersive environment that simulates real-world scenarios, while scent-emitting devices and haptic feedback systems add to the sensory experience.
Modern Pagan Practices Reflect Ancient Traditions
Many modern Pagan practices reflect ancient traditions by venerating objects believed to hold magical or divine energy. They are often anointed as scents, and perfumes are integral to ritual, enhancing the experience through multiple senses.
