Why did Thomas Gainsborough believe paintings should be viewed from a distance?

Thomas Gainsborough rejected the contemporary artistic preference for a smooth, detailed finish in his work. Instead, he utilized a technique characterized by flickering, feathery brushstrokes, which he often developed while painting in subdued lighting conditions such as candlelight.12

Because of this specific style, Gainsborough insisted that his paintings should be viewed from a distance to be properly appreciated. He famously remarked to a client who ignored this advice that his paintings were "not made to be smelled," emphasizing that the intended visual effect required a certain physical perspective rather than close-up inspection.12