Pomander Collection

Portrait of a Woman with a Pomander, 1563. Creator: Unknown
Portrait of a Woman with a Pomander, 1563. This woman's affluence is seen in her embroidered cap, pearl necklace, and the gold chain from which hangs a pierced metal container, or pomander

Portrait of a Young Woman with a Pink, 1560-1569. Creator: Bartholomaeus Bruyn the Younger
Portrait of a Young Woman with a Pink, 1560-1569. This young woman offers a pink (or dianthus, related to the carnation) to someone on her right, probably her betrothed

Pomander, France, c. 1650. Creator: Unknown
Pomander, France, c. 1650

Portrait of a Lady, Standing, small three-quarter Length
990328 Portrait of a Lady, Standing, small three-quarter Length, Wearing a Striped Bodice and Black Coat, Holding a Pomander on a Gold Chain, (oil on panel) by Pourbus, Pieter Jansz

Habit of an English Gentlewoman in 1640 (engraving)
3640612 Habit of an English Gentlewoman in 1640 (engraving) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Habit of an English Gentlewoman in 1640)

Habit of an English Lady of Quality in 1588 (engraving)
3640605 Habit of an English Lady of Quality in 1588 (engraving) by English School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Habit of an English Lady of Quality in 1588)

Portrait of Clarissa Strozzi, 1542 (oil on canvas)
5977634 Portrait of Clarissa Strozzi, 1542 (oil on canvas) by Titian (Tiziano Vecellio) (c.1488-1576); 150x98 cm; Gemaldegalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Germany; PicturesNow/UIG; Italian

Portrait of a Woman, probably a Member of the Van Beresteyn Family, 1632 (oil on canvas)
3614047 Portrait of a Woman, probably a Member of the Van Beresteyn Family, 1632 (oil on canvas) by Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606-69); 111.8x88.9 cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Portrait of Aefge Gijbland, aged seventeen, 1598 (oil on panel)
RPH92370 Portrait of Aefge Gijbland, aged seventeen, 1598 (oil on panel) by Friesian School, (16th century); 103x79 cm; Private Collection; eRichard Philp, London; Dutch, out of copyright

The Sense of Smell (panel)
SOU84422 The Sense of Smell (panel) by Arcimboldo, Giuseppe (1527-93) (style of); 91.5x71.7 cm; Southampton City Art Gallery, Hampshire, UK; eSouthhampton City Art Gallery; Italian, out of copyright

Portrait of a Man in Front of a Window (oil on panel)
PWI94313 Portrait of a Man in Front of a Window (oil on panel) by Cornelisz, Jacob (c.1470-1533); Louvre, Paris, France; ePeter Willi; Netherlandish, out of copyright

Portrait of a Lady in Spanish Costume, c. 1585 (oil on panel)
450163 Portrait of a Lady in Spanish Costume, c.1585 (oil on panel) by Dutch School, (16th century); 36.2x27 cm; The Holburne Museum, Bath, UK; eHolburne Museum; Dutch, out of copyright

Silver pomander, 19th century C017 / 0730
Silver pomander from late nineteenth century England. Herbs or other fragrant materials were placed in these cases which were then hung from a neck-chain, belt or girdle

Silver pomander, late 19th century C017 / 0750
Silver pomander from late nineteenth century England. Herbs or other fragrant materials were placed in these cases which were then hung from a neck-chain, belt or girdle

Silver pomander, late 19th century C017 / 0749
Silver pomander from late nineteenth century England. Herbs or other fragrant materials were placed in these cases which were then hung from a neck-chain, belt or girdle

s / Speare. Merry Wives
Act III, Scene iii Falstaff with Mrs. Ford

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"Pomander: A Fragrant Treasure from 17th Century France" Step into the enchanting world of pomanders, where scents and elegance intertwine. Originating in Pomander, France around 1650, these exquisite creations have captivated hearts for centuries. Although their creator remains unknown, the legacy of pomanders lives on. Imagine a portrait of a lady standing gracefully, her small three-quarter length figure adorned with a delicate pomander hanging from her wrist. This accessory was not only fashionable but also functional, as it served to mask unpleasant odors that lingered in the air. Travel back further in time through engravings depicting the habits of English gentlewomen and ladies of quality. In 1640, an English gentlewoman donned a stunning ensemble complete with a pomander tucked discreetly within her attire. Similarly, an engraving from 1588 showcases an English lady exuding sophistication while carrying this fragrant treasure. The allure of pomanders transcended borders and social classes. Clarissa Strozzi's captivating portrait from 1542 reveals her holding a beautifully crafted pomander made with gold, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds – truly fit for royalty. Even Queen Elizabeth I herself embraced the charm of these scented jewels around 1600. Her regal presence enhanced by the subtle aroma emanating from her intricately designed pomander demonstrates how even monarchs appreciated its allure. Pomanders were not limited to women; men too indulged in their aromatic pleasures. A man depicted in front of a window painted on panel proudly carries his own version – perhaps symbolizing his refined taste or desire to attract attention through scent. One cannot overlook the influence that Spanish fashion had on this fragrant trend during the late sixteenth century. A lady dressed elegantly in Spanish costume circa 1585 holds onto her precious pomander tightly as if guarding its secrets within. These historical artworks and artifacts provide a glimpse into the significance of pomanders in society.