Final answer:
The question involves diverse textual references to the motif of the nose, exploring its significance across various disciplines including art represented by Rembrandt van Rijn, literature, and biology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject matter of 'The Nose' by Nikolai Gogol addresses the peculiar and surreal tale of a St. Petersburg official whose nose leaves his face and develops a life of its own. While Gogol's work is notable, the excerpts provided seem to be a collection of varied texts that refer to the motif of the nose rather than the story by Gogol itself.
References to Dickensian scenery obscured by industrial smoke, Rembrandt van Rijn's portrayal of noses in art, sensory experiences related to the nose in literature, and different dimensions of noses such as in cows and humans suggest a thematic exploration of how the nose is represented in different contexts.
For instance, the complexity of depicting the nose is highlighted in Rembrandt's work, suggesting its importance in art. Literary passages explore the noses' reactions to stimuli, such as the irritation from champagne. The nose also appears in the context of characters' interactions and emotions, as seen in the dialogue excerpts. Lastly, the physiological aspect of noses is touched upon with the comparison of air passage in cows and humans. Overall, these excerpts bring to light the diverse ways in which noses are significant in visual and narrative arts, as well as biology.