History is an eternal source of inspiration for many perfume houses. And that is no surprise because our history is full of fascinating epochs and exciting events. Today, I review Fin de Siecle Libertine fragrance, the newest release of this Canadian niche perfume brand and tell you more about the time that has inspired this fragrance.
Fin de Siecle
The term Fin de Siecle is translated as the end of the century. This term was commonly applied to the end of the 19th century and to the cultural phenomena of that period.
The epoch of Fin de Siecle is characterized by the expectation of the better future but, at the same time, the fear of this future. It was the time of refusal of social and moral norms, time of a pessimistic state of mind and time of decadence in art and life.
Charles Hermans, At Dawn, 1875
Decadence was the expression of the epoch of Fin de Siecle. It was the artistic and literary movement, characterized by aestheticism, individualism, and immoralism.
The artists of this movement were against old and academic forms of art. They were against the moral norms of the Victorian era and wanted to find new ways to express their vision of the world.
And this new vision was represented by an aversion to the ordinary daily life, by the willing to make art for art and even by the interest in mysticism, demonism and everything related to death.
Oscar Wilde, Charles Baudelaire, Gabriele D’ Annunzio, Théophile Gautier, Aubrey Beardsley, and many other writers and artists were proud to be called « the decadents».
Napoleon Sarony, Oscar Wilde, circa 1882
They all have left behind the masterpieces of literature and art. Masterpieces that are full of protest against norms, full of their unique, pessimistic and sometimes provocative beauty that continues to attract people even now.
The positive aspects of that time were expressed through the term of the Belle Epoque. But today, we will put aside the positive side of the end of the 19th century and will experience the somber beauty of decadence with the perfume Fin de Siecle by Libertine fragrance.
Perfume Review of Fin de Siecle Libertine Fragrance
From the first seconds, this fragrance impresses with the strong and a little bit sharp scent of black currant bud, with a hint of rose on the background.
The opening of Fin de Siecle has something shocking and even reckless, and it perfectly conveys the spirit of the epoch that was full of permissiveness and forbidden lust.
And if you are not afraid to go against the moral norms and rules, this perfume will reveal its alluring rosy heart with some ardent nuances.
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, In the Salon of Rue des Moulins, 1894
Patchouli gives this fragrance its dark and mysterious earthy-woody scent, that is complemented by the note of oakmoss. This expressive duo brings to Fin de Siecle the right somber mood and a little pessimistic sound, that was typical for that time.
The note of civet with its carnal musky scent, makes Fin de Siecle even more passionate and provocative and gives this perfume the wild and unrestrained character.
Click here to read my perfume review of Troubled Spirits by Libertine Fragrance.
Fin de Siecle Libertine fragrance is a great epitome of the time that has inspired this perfume. This perfume is desperate, disappointed, but nevertheless tempting and very beautiful.
Fin de Siecle impresses with its depth, sadness, passion and, of course, with its bleak aesthetics. It is the perfume of permissiveness, protest, art, and freedom.
Edouard Manet, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, 1881-1882
Even despite the dark side of this fragrance, it has something tender and pleasant like the faith in a better future.
Fin de Siecle Libertine fragrance is a little bit old-fashioned, and therefore even more attractive chypre for modern decadent, who misses the time in which he never lived, but to which his soul belongs…
Notes: Black Currant Bud, Citrus Notes, Egyptian Rose, Patchouli, Oakmoss, Civet.
If it were a place, it would be previously sumptuous, but now dilapidated living room.
If it were a color, it would be dark gray with burgundy.
If it were one word, it would be desperate.
It was my perfume review of Fin de Siecle Libertine Fragrance, and I hope you enjoyed it.
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