Napoleon's Scent: Cologne Secrets Of An Emperor

French political and military leader Napoleon Bonaparte is known to have loved cologne, and used it extravagantly throughout his life. He had a standing order with perfume house Chardin to deliver 50 bottles of their signature Eau de Cologne every month. He would drench his shoulders and neck with the scent and is believed to have preferred a strong citrus fragrance with notes of rosemary, lavender, and thyme. The scent of rosemary is said to have calmed him during battle preparation, as it reminded him of his childhood home in Corsica. While the original fragrance he used is unknown, the closest approximation available today is by the company Jean-Marie founded, Farina.

Napoleon's favourite cologne was 4711

It is widely believed that Napoleon's favourite cologne was 4711. This fragrance is often attributed as being the military leader's scent of choice. However, this is a common misconception. 4711 was actually a copy of one of the more popular colognes at the time.

The fragrance was originally entitled Acqua Mirabilis, or Miracle Water, and was created by perfumers Gian Paolo Feminis and Jean-Marie Farina. It was meant to be used as a cologne and as a herbal medicinal drink. The recipe was eventually given to Wilhelm Muelhens as a wedding present.

The mix-up may have been perpetuated because Acqua Mirabilis was originally intended for both internal and external use. However, when Napoleon decreed that all internal medicines needed to list their ingredients, the creators of 4711 did not want to give away their closely guarded recipe. As a result, 4711 was marketed exclusively as a cologne, and the legend that Napoleon 'helped create' the fragrance was encouraged.

Napoleon's chosen fragrance is believed to have been a strong citrus scent with notes of rosemary, lavender, and thyme. He is said to have used cologne multiple times a day, especially after bathing, applying it to his neck and shoulders with a brush. He also attributed health benefits to the practice, claiming that it had the same qualities as coffee.

He used 50 bottles of cologne a month

Napoleon Bonaparte was a French political and military leader who rose to power during the French Revolution. He was a decisive and intelligent leader, known for his love of cologne.

It is said that Napoleon had a standing order with the perfume house Chardin to deliver 50 bottles of their signature Eau de Cologne every month. This may seem like a substantial order, but fragrance bottles in the 19th century were much smaller and more fragile, and the formulas were less concentrated.

Napoleon is believed to have preferred a strong citrus scent with notes of rosemary, lavender, and thyme. He would drench his neck and shoulders with cologne after bathing, sometimes using a brush to apply it. He attributed his health and calmness during battle to this habit, which he claimed to have picked up in the Orient.

Napoleon's chosen fragrance was likely much less concentrated than the colognes of today. The company Jean-Marie founded, Farina, is still producing fragrances, and their 1709 cologne is probably the closest we can get to smelling what Napoleon wore.

The story of Napoleon's cologne preference is an intriguing glimpse into the past, and it showcases the importance he placed on personal hygiene and fragrance.

He applied cologne with a brush

Napoleon Bonaparte was a French political and military leader who was born in 1769 on the island of Corsica. He is known for his love for cologne and his preference for strong citrus scents with notes of rosemary, lavender, and thyme.

Napoleon had a standing order with the perfume house Chardin to deliver 50 bottles of their signature Eau de Cologne every month. He splashed his neck and shoulders with the fragrance multiple times a day, especially after bathing. He attributed his health to this habit, which he claimed to have picked up in the Orient.

Napoleon applied cologne with a brush, vigorously rubbing his whole body. He also poured a few drops of cologne on a handkerchief and held it to his lips, forehead, and temples. This ritual was especially important to him before decisive battles, and he kept a green flask of Farina's Eau Admirable on his desk the night before.

The cologne Napoleon used was likely created by Jean-Marie Farina, who also designed a special bottle that could fit into Napoleon's boots for easy transport. The original fragrance is believed to have been a light citrus scent with low concentrations of perfume and essential oils.

Today, the company Jean-Marie founded, Farina, still produces fragrances, including one entitled "1709," which may be the closest we can get to smelling what Napoleon wore. However, compared to modern perfumery, it may seem old-fashioned and unrefined.

Napoleon attributed his health to his cologne use

Napoleon Bonaparte was a French political and military leader who played a significant role during the French Revolution. He was known for his decisive and intelligent leadership, but also for his love of cologne. While the original fragrance he used remains unknown, we do know that he had a standing order for 50 bottles of Eau de Cologne from the perfume house Chardin to be delivered each month. This may sound excessive, but it's important to remember that fragrance bottles in the 19th century were smaller and more fragile, and the formulas were less concentrated.

Napoleon attributed his health and calmness during battle preparation to his abundant use of cologne. He claimed that the scent of rosemary, a key ingredient in his Eau de Cologne, emotionally transported him to his childhood home in Corsica. He also believed that the cologne had similar qualities to coffee, and would apply a few drops to a handkerchief and hold it to his lips and forehead.

Napoleon's chosen fragrance is believed to have had strong citrus notes with rosemary, lavender, and thyme. He would drench his neck and shoulders with cologne after bathing, and it is said that he used up to 60 bottles per month. This habit was reportedly picked up by Napoleon during his time in the Orient.

During his exile on the island of St. Helena, Napoleon was unable to access his favourite cologne. This deprivation was noted by his private secretary, Emmanuel de Las Cases, who mentioned it in his memoirs. To remedy this, Napoleon begged his servant, Mameluke Ali, to create a cologne for him, resulting in the only olfactory memory we have of the Emperor today.

He also enjoyed the scent of his wife, Josephine

Napoleon Bonaparte was a French political and military leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution. He was decisive and intelligent, and he played a significant role in changing the course of history during the Revolutionary Wars. While much of his personal life remains a mystery, we know that he had a particular fondness for cologne and used it extensively throughout his life.

Napoleon's preferred fragrance is believed to have been a strong citrus scent with notes of rosemary, lavender, and thyme. He is said to have used cologne not only for its scent but also for its cooling properties, especially after washing. He would drench his shoulders and neck with it and is even reported to have used up to 60 bottles of cologne a month. This extravagant usage may be partly due to the smaller and more fragile fragrance bottles of the 19th century, which had lower concentrations of perfume and essential oils.

Among his preferences, Napoleon also enjoyed the natural scent of his wife, Josephine. He would send her messages ordering her "not to bathe" when he was returning home from battle. However, he also spent large sums of money on perfumes for her, such as jasmine, which was one of her favourites.

Josephine, the empress, was known for her affinity for musk and civet (animalic) scents, which were not commonly used during her time. These unique preferences earned her the nickname "the musk lover." She also embraced the contemporary fashion of keeping pots of scented flowers in her rooms, including hyacinths and mignonette, a flower with a violet-like fragrance. Napoleon played a role in popularising mignonette in France and later in England, where it was valued for its ability to mask unpleasant street odours.

The story of Napoleon and Josephine's love is also intertwined with violets. Heartbroken after their marriage was annulled, Josephine continued to wear violet-scented perfumes. Napoleon, still holding her dear, had her grave covered in violets. Shortly before his exile, he is said to have picked flowers from her grave, which were later found in a locket he always carried.

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