Greek Statues Were Not Only Painted and Dressed But Also Perfumed, Study Reveals

Archaeologists have uncovered a little-known aspect of ancient art: Greek and Roman statues were not just painted and adorned but also perfumed. A study published in the Oxford Journal of Archaeology reveals that sculptures were perfumed using oils and aromatic substances, reshaping how experts understand classical art.

Archaeologist Cecilie Brøns led the research, analyzing ancient texts and physical traces on sculptures. Her findings challenge the long-held belief that statues were purely visual artifacts. Instead, evidence suggests they engaged multiple senses, making the experience of ancient art more immersive.

Historical accounts confirm perfumed sculptures

Classical writings offer insight into this practice. Roman orator Cicero described how the statue of Artemis in Segesta was anointed with perfumes.

Greek poet Callimachus wrote about the statue of Queen Berenice II of Egypt, which was said to be covered in fragrance. These texts indicate that scent was important to how people experienced statues in temples and public spaces.

The use of perfumes was not merely decorative. In religious rituals, statues of gods and important figures were treated with oils and scented substances as acts of devotion.

Records from the sanctuary of Delos list the materials used in these offerings, including olive oil, beeswax, and rose perfumes. This suggests that perfuming statues was a widespread and intentional practice.

Perfume workshops linked to ritual practices

Archaeological evidence supports these accounts. Researchers discovered perfume workshops on the island of Delos, indicating that fragrances used in religious ceremonies may have been produced locally. This finding connects the perfuming of statues with organized craftsmanship, further confirming that scents were an integral part of ritual practices.

Ancient artisans used specific techniques to apply these fragrances. One method, known as ganosis, involved coating statues with waxes and oils to preserve their surfaces while enhancing their appearance.

Roman writers Vitruvius and Pliny the Elder documented the use of Pontic wax and special oils to protect sculptures from discoloration and give them a polished sheen.

Beyond perfumes, statues were also adorned with textiles and jewelry in a process called kosmesis. This reinforced the idea that these sculptures, particularly those depicting gods, were treated as sacred figures. Greek historian Pausanias described how the statue of Zeus at Olympia was regularly anointed with olive oil to protect its ivory from the humid climate.

Traces of ancient perfumes remain

While most fragrances have faded over time, some physical traces remain. Scientists analyzing a 3rd-century BC sculpture of Queen Berenice II discovered beeswax on its surface, suggesting it may have been treated with scented oils.

Flowers and garlands also added scents to statues. During the Roman Floralia festival, sculptures were decorated with roses and violets, filling the air with their scent. These temporary but significant details further highlight the multisensory experience of ancient art.

Scholars studied Greco-Roman sculptures for centuries, primarily for their visual appeal, focusing on craftsmanship, color, and ornamentation. However, new findings suggest that scent was a deliberate and essential part of their presentation.