Florence and the Art of Perfumery

The Florentine monks, the medici family and the alchemical approach to nature.

More than any other sense, smell responds to an innate and instinctive need.

Since ancient times, man has always interacted with nature to take maximum advantage and enhance its fruits.
Studying and refining the techniques for relating to nature, the alchemist monks of Florence deepened the study of spagyric medicines and extraction techniques, followed by illustrious thinkers, including Leonardo da Vinci, who conducted experiments to extract dyes, perfumes, oils and poisons from plants and flowers.

Alchemy, Plants and Perfumes: The Medici Herbalist's shop in Florence

Synchronized with astrology, the alchemical work has brought to light countless beneficial properties of plants, establishing precious connections between body, soul and cosmos.

Within the city of Florence, this wealth of scientific and holistic knowledge quickly became the main treasure of the powerful Medici family, who continued to expand it, using the benefits of natural essences, inserting them into everyday city life and developing the first notions of high perfumery.

Patrons of the arts, the Medici contributed to fueling a whole explosion of artistic, scientific and cultural progress, which in turn accelerated the study and evolution of the art of perfumery.

The intriguing Art of Perfumery, from Florence to France

From the botanical representations in paintings to those expressed in the meticulous Italian gardens, including the famous Boboli Gardens, plant life in Florence extended beyond medicinal purposes and became synonymous with opulence, style and intrigue.

Like any other art, perfumery was not exempt from the duality of nature. It was said that Renato Bianco, personal perfumer of Caterina de' Medici's entourage, invented perfumes as well as poisons, simply by using his mastery in managing doses, as theorized by the Swiss alchemist and physicians Paracelsus.

The Alchemical Heritage of Florence

By subverting the rules of perfumery and transforming nature, Florence's influence laid the foundations of a seductive and cutting-edge art, which led France to earn recognition as the homeland of perfume.

In honor of this timeless art, which has extended from the Renaissance to the present day, Profumoir aims to pay homage both to the alchemical methods of extraction and to perfumery in its highest symbolic expression.