Review: Five senses. A digital exhibition. Sensoriality, art and scenographic culture in the early modern period

Abstract

The review analyzes the digital exhibition Five Senses. Sensoriality, Art and Stage Culture in the Modern Age, developed within the I+D project led by Concepción Lopezosa and Carmen González-Román. This initiative offers a holistic approach to multisensoriality in festive celebrations from the 15th to 18th centuries, structured around five thematic paths—each dedicated to one of the senses: smell, taste, sight, touch, and hearing. The exhibition, created by the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, is complemented by a scientific catalog published by Tirant Lo Blanch. Each section explores how the senses shaped festive scenography, from the aromas of fireworks to the flavors of courtly banquets, the guided gaze in religious ceremonies, the spiritual dimension of touch in devotional art, and the soundscape of Iberian events. The digital format enables an interactive, non-linear experience using audiovisual resources, AI-generated animations, and audio descriptions, enhancing accessibility and experiential learning. The project stands out for its originality and ability to merge academic research with cultural outreach, offering a critical and engaging view of past scenographic culture. Despite the inherent limits of multisensory representation, the initiative successfully conveys the emotional and performative richness of historical celebrations.