Courtauld Young People’s Programme attendees (aged 16–18); Anna, Ciara, Giulia, Inga, Llanura, Nancy, Suzanne, in collaboration with perfumer Sarah McCartney
Aromatic mixed media
Imagine you are in the Yellow House, Vincent van Gogh’s home and studio in Arles, in the south of France. What could you smell? A group of young people collaborated with perfumer Sarah McCartney from 4160 Tuesdays to build a scent profile for Van Gogh’s self-portrait.
They conducted historical research into four areas of the painting: the art materials Van Gogh used in his studio; the season, weather and climate at the time it was painted (both evident from the letters exchanged with his brother Theo); the new ointment used on Van Gogh’s dressing to aid healing and Van Gogh’s clothing: his thick wool shepherd’s cape and furry cap, which he
had bought especially to secure his bandage.
The purpose of this scent collection is to bring the original painting to life for children, young people and adults participating in The Courtauld’s Learning programmes. Our sense of smell can evoke powerful memories and personal connections and take our creative and art historical curiosity in new and exciting directions.