18th century
High Culture and Desirable Living: Art in Mayfair, London
Since the 18th century, Mayfair in London has been associated with a revered aesthetical appeal thanks to the area’s popularity with people from the higher echelons of society, who have invested in the architecture and design of their prime property. In fact, when Grosvenor Square was built in 1721, titled buyers bought 177 of the 277 houses. As Rev. Sydney Smith, the canon of St Paul’s Cathedral in the mid-19th century, said: “The area contains more intelligence and human ability – to say…
The 18th Century in Art. Freedom undercover
The 18th century is marked by an extreme liberation of arts. This was due to the weakness of Royal power at that time. Painters, sculptors and even architects wave on a new flow of freedom, sometimes covered by the usage of classic codes revamped. Philosophers like Diderot, protector of Arts, helped to establish the “free thinking” in Europe and a new way for Men to reconsider what surround them as well as their own existence. Welcome to a new era…
Fragrances: do not wear them… eat them!
Did you know that some fragrances can be eaten? Well, this is not so new as already in the Ancient Egypt, some fragranced preparations could be used externally (on skin and hair) but also drunk (like a plant and spicy infusion). In Europe, in the 18th century and even before, the Vinaigre de Toilette, was also used in both ways. In a more contenporary context the Fragrance industry has been using Diéthylphtalate in order to denaturate the alcohol so that people…
Marie-Antoinette’s Herbarium by Elisabeth de Feydeau
Fragrances Marie-Antoinette was probably one of the most controversial queen in history. Some people loved her, others hated her. But above all, she was a passionate woman, exploring all the wonders of the “Century of the lights”, Les Lumières. Elisabeth de Feydeau, Ph D. in history and Perfumes / scents expert, published L’Herbier de Marie-Antoinette (The Herbarium of Marie-Antoinette). What can we say about this book? Well, it describes an interesting facet of the French-Austrian Queen: her passion for…
Henri Rousseau, Painter of Jungle…
At Fondation Beyeler in Basel, Switzerland, there is one of the most astonishing exhibitions about Henri Rousseau artwork. It is the first time, for years, someone gathered so many master pieces from the “Douanier”. 39 paintings from the artist. The commissioners for the exhibition are Christopher Green and Philippe Buttner. This one wrote an article on Le Monde last month about the incredible collection. Henri Julien Félix Rousseau was born in May 21st 1844 and died in September 2nd 1910 in…