Chapter 1
Ancient origins and sacred smoke
Chapter 2
The science of scent in the Golden Age
Chapter 3
European courtly stench and the rise of Grasse
Chapter 4
The modern synthetic revolution
YOUR GOAL
Master of Sniffing out the history of perfume
Ch 3 · European courtly stench and the rise of Grasse
elorea Scented Gloves of Grasse
To mask the smelly leather, we soaked the gloves in rose / Now Grasse is making magic for every classy nose
elorea French nobles gather under luminous classical light inside the Versailles court.
Fun Fact
Napoleon's scent habit: Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte loved Eau de Cologne so much that he ordered 50 bottles a month to spray on himself.
Glossary
perfumery (noun)
The art, business, or process of making perfumes. During the seventeenth century, Grasse transitioned from leather tanning to this industry to mask courtly odors.
The art, business, or process of making perfumes. During the seventeenth century, Grasse transitioned from leather tanning to this industry to mask courtly odors.
Quiz
Which French monarch was known as the 'sweetest smelling king' despite rarely bathing?
Quiz
In which German city was the famous citrus-based 'Eau de Cologne' invented in 1709?
Quiz
Which French town became the perfume capital of the world after starting as a smelly leather-tanning center?
Quiz
What accessory did Catherine de' Medici popularize to mask the foul smell of tanned leather?