Perfume History: The Birth of Modern French Perfumery

This course continues the story of French perfumery from the end of the 19th Century. During this time, the city underwent dramatic transformations. As the heart of the Belle Époque, Paris was a cultural and artistic epicenter, inspiring a new era of creativity and luxury.

Explore how the city’s rapid industrialization and growth intersected with the development of modern perfumery. Smell iconic fragrances like Jicky, a groundbreaking scent that forever altered the olfactory landscape. Uncover the revolutionary impact of synthetic raw materials, which expanded the perfumer’s palette and ushered in a new era of olfactory possibilities.

This course will blend historical analysis with sensory exploration, inviting you to appreciate the complex interplay of art, science, and culture in the 19th Century that shaped today’s perfume industry.

Topics covered include:

• The social and cultural context of 19th-century Paris
• The evolution of perfumery from traditional methods to industrial production
• The role of synthetic materials in revolutionizing fragrance creation
• The marketing and advertising of perfume during the Belle Époque
• The relationship between perfume and fashion, art, and literature
• Case studies of iconic perfumes and their creators
• The enduring legacy of 19th-century perfumery on the modern fragrance industry