The sitter is Lucas Fayd'herbe (1617 - 1697), a noted sculptor and architect who was one of Rubens's last pupils. He worked principally in Malines, and is also depicted in Franchoijs's 'Portrait of Lucas Fayd'herbe'. Here he is shown smoking a pipe, as a representation of the sense of Smell.

This picture is one of a series of the 'Five Senses' in the Collection; 'Sight', 'Hearing', 'Touch', the fifth, 'Taste', is probably a copy. The series was painted before 1661 when 'Sight' was engraved. The costumes suggest a date of about 1655-60.