MAISON VIOLET – 19TH-CENTURY FRENCH PERFUMERY EXCELLENCE

In the 19th century, many major perfume houses experienced considerable growth as they gained recognition from society and the Court.

Thus, the Violet perfume house, founded in 1827, became one of the most prestigious perfume houses of the era. It was awarded the title of “Patented Supplier to Her Majesty Empress Eugénie.”
The “À la Reine des Abeilles” line—whose gold-trimmed crystal bottles and complete toiletries set are shown here—is one of the house’s greatest successes. The bee, the quintessential Napoleonic symbol, is elegantly incorporated into the designs, evoking the imperial patronage granted to the house.

The exhibition of these objects holds particular significance for our museum because Maison Violet’s historic boutique was located at 12 Boulevard des Capucines, at the corner of Rue Scribe, just a few steps from here. This set, comprising ivory brushes, powder jars, and bottles, bears witness to the luxury of beauty care during the Second Empire.
During this period, the French perfume industry became industrialized while preserving exceptional artisanal craftsmanship, making Paris—and more specifically our neighborhood—the global epicenter of olfactory refinement.

I invite you to scan the following QR code to continue our stroll.