"Connais tu le Pays?" by Rosine, launched in 1920, is a fragrance that not only encapsulates the spirit of post-war renewal and artistic innovation but also evokes a deep sense of patriotism and national pride in France. This perfume is a fitting tribute to French cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from the beloved opera "Mignon" and the grandeur of the Orangerie at Versailles.
The name "Connais tu le Pays?" translates to "Knowest thou the land?" in English, directly referencing the poignant aria from Ambroise Thomas's opera "Mignon." This aria, with its evocative line "Do you know the country where the orange flowers bloom?", speaks to a longing for the idyllic and beautiful landscapes of France. It conjures images of the French countryside, with its fragrant orange groves and lush gardens, and stirs a sense of national pride and nostalgia.
In addition to its operatic inspiration, the perfume draws heavily from the Orangerie at Versailles, an iconic symbol of French horticultural excellence and regal opulence. The Orangerie, designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart under the reign of Louis XIV, houses an extensive collection of orange trees and other delicate plants. This magnificent structure represents the pinnacle of French garden design and reflects the country's rich history and cultural achievements.
The design of the "Connais tu le Pays?" bottle and packaging further emphasizes this patriotic connection. The round frosted glass bottle, shaped like an orange with a gilded leaf stopper, is a nod to the fragrant orange trees of the Orangerie. The presentation box, adorned in shades of pink, yellow orange, pale green, and forest green, reflects the vibrant and lush landscape of the Versailles gardens. This thoughtful design not only captures the essence of the Orangerie but also celebrates the natural beauty and elegance of France.
For consumers in the 1920s, the combination of these influences would have been immensely appealing. In the aftermath of World War I, there was a strong desire to reconnect with and celebrate French cultural heritage. "Connais tu le Pays?" offers not just a fragrance, but a journey into the heart of France, evoking the romance and grandeur of its operatic and horticultural traditions. The name and inspiration of the perfume invite wearers to explore and appreciate the beauty and sophistication of their homeland, fostering a sense of pride and connection to their country.
In essence, "Connais tu le Pays?" is a harmonious blend of artistic and natural inspirations, encapsulating the elegance, sophistication, and patriotic spirit of its time. It is a perfume that tells a story, inviting the wearer to embark on a fragrant journey through the cultural and historical landscapes of France, from the operatic stage to the blooming groves of Versailles, all while celebrating the nation's rich heritage and timeless beauty.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? It was described as "sweet" and "pungent" and I believe it may have been composed around orange blossom, orange, orange peels, rose and lemon.
- Top notes: lemon, orange peel, orange, apple, neroli, bergamot
- Middle notes: orange blossom, rose, jasmine, jonquil, violet
- Base notes: sandalwood, ambergris, orris, musk, vanilla, tolu
Scent Profile:
Imagine standing in a sun-dappled orchard in the south of France, surrounded by rows of orange trees heavy with fruit and blossoms. The air is alive with the sweet, citrusy aroma of ripe oranges mingling with the delicate floral notes of orange blossoms. As you inhale deeply, the top notes of "Connais tu le Pays?" unfold before you.
First, the bright zest of lemon and the tangy essence of freshly peeled oranges dance on your senses. These vibrant citrus notes are accompanied by the crispness of green apples and the refreshing bitterness of neroli. A hint of bergamot adds a subtle complexity, reminiscent of the Mediterranean breeze that sweeps through the citrus groves.
As the initial burst of citrus begins to settle, the heart of the fragrance emerges, weaving a tapestry of floral elegance. Orange blossom takes center stage, its rich, honeyed scent blending seamlessly with the timeless allure of rose petals. Intertwined with jasmine, jonquil, and violet, these blossoms evoke the romantic essence of a French garden in full bloom, their aromatic symphony both intoxicating and captivating.
Finally, as the fragrance gently evolves on your skin, the base notes impart a sense of depth and warmth. Smooth sandalwood lends a creamy, woody undertone, while ambergris adds a subtle maritime allure. Orris root brings a powdery softness, complemented by the lingering muskiness that enhances the perfume's longevity. A touch of vanilla adds a sweet, comforting embrace, while tolu balsam adds a hint of resinous richness, completing the olfactory journey.
In "Connais tu le Pays?", each ingredient harmonizes to create a sensory experience that captures the essence of France's flourishing orange and orange blossom fields. From the initial burst of citrus freshness to the delicate floral heart and the warm, inviting base, this perfume invites you to embark on a journey through the fragrant landscapes of Provence, where the beauty of nature meets the artistry of perfumery.
Bottles:
The Orange Flacon:
Fashions of the Hour, Marshall Field and Company, 1926:
"Last shelf, in the shape of an orange, "Connais tu le Pays?" $18."
"Connais tu le Pays?" not only captivates with its scent but also enchants with its meticulous presentation. The perfume is housed within a round frosted glass bottle, artfully shaped like a ripe orange, complete with a gilded leaf that serves as its stopper. This design evokes the lush citrus groves of the French countryside, blending a sense of natural beauty with a touch of luxury.
The presentation box, a true testament to the artistic sensibilities of the 1920s, is adorned in a palette of pink, yellow orange, pale green, and forest green. These colors reflect the vibrant and verdant landscapes of Provence, bringing to mind images of blooming orchards and sunlit fields. The harmonious combination of hues creates a visual symphony that mirrors the olfactory experience contained within.
Adding a layer of sophistication, the box carries the name "Connais tu le Pays?" beneath music bars from the eponymous song in Ambroise Thomas's opera "Mignon." This thoughtful detail weaves a narrative thread between the fragrance and its cultural inspiration, inviting the user to immerse themselves in the romance and nostalgia of the melody. The label, printed in a striking red, stands out against the soft colors of the box, ensuring that the perfume's name is as memorable as its scent. It is worthwhile to note that Rosine also used this bottle for their perfume Chez Poiret.
As described in the 1926 Marshall Field and Company catalog, the perfume, "in the shape of an orange," was prominently displayed on the "last shelf" for $18. This placement, along with its exquisite packaging, underscores its status as a coveted luxury item. The bottle and box together not only encapsulate the fragrance but also the era's blend of artistic innovation and opulent elegance, making "Connais tu le Pays?" a timeless embodiment of the beauty and sophistication of the Roaring Twenties.
(mistakenly named as an apple in the ad above and a lemon in ad below)
Apollo Flacon:
The bottle housing "Connais tu le Pays?" exemplifies the pinnacle of elegance and craftsmanship. Crafted from clear crystal, its slim, upright rectangular shape conveys a sense of regal simplicity. This design is perfectly complemented by a gilded brass overcap that adds a touch of opulence. The overcap is no ordinary adornment; intricately designed in repoussé, it features the classical face of Apollo, the Greek god of light, encircled by radiant sunrays. This design not only pays homage to Apollo's mythological presence but also evokes the grandeur and artistic finesse synonymous with Versailles. Nestled within the gardens of Versailles lies the famous Orangerie, a symbol of horticultural splendor and refinement that mirrors the elegance of the perfume bottle.
The attention to detail extends beyond the bottle itself. Nestled within a luxurious blue velvet case, embellished with a gilded tassel, the presentation of "Connais tu le Pays?" is nothing short of extravagant. This packaging enhances the allure of the perfume and mirrors the lavish aesthetics of the era it represents. The blue velvet case speaks of refinement and sophistication, making the unboxing experience as memorable as the fragrance itself.
Interestingly, this distinctive flacon was not exclusive to "Connais tu le Pays?" alone but also graced the Rosine perfume "Bosquet d'Apollon." This dual usage underscores its timeless design and universal appeal. The bottle resonates with connoisseurs of fine fragrances who appreciate both beauty and history encapsulated within a single exquisite bottle. Whether admired for its artistic motifs or cherished for its practical elegance, the bottle remains an enduring symbol of luxury and refinement, embodying the essence of Versailles and the enduring legacy of Rosine perfumes. The combination of artistic detail and historical significance makes this bottle a treasured piece in the world of perfumery, representing a harmonious blend of mythology, artistry, and sophistication.
Fate of the Fragrance:
"Connais tu le Pays?" by Rosine was discontinued around 1930, but its legacy endures through its exquisite presentation and the lasting impression it made in the world of perfumery. The perfume was still available for purchase in 1929, as documented in a volume of the Official Journal: Body of the Provisional Government of Mexico. This listing featured "Connais tu le Pays?" alongside other notable Rosine perfumes, including Ambre de Venise, Aladin, Arlequinade, Avenue du Bois, Borgia, Chez Poiret, Chypre des Isles, Coeur en Folie, Hahna, Jasmin de la Riviera, Le Balcon, Le Bosquet d'Apollon, Le Coup D'or, Le fruit Defendu, La Rose de Rosine, Maharadjah, Nuit de Chine, Pierrot, Qui Es-Tu?, Sa Chambre, Sakya Mouni, and Toute la Foret.
The discontinuation of "Connais tu le Pays?" marked the end of an era for this particular fragrance, but its appeal and the allure of its packaging have ensured its place in the annals of perfume history. The bottle design, especially the whimsical orange-shaped flacon, is particularly prized among collectors today. These bottles are now quite rare, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors of vintage perfumes.
The orange-shaped flacon, with its frosted glass and gilded leaf stopper, captures the essence of the Orangerie at Versailles, reflecting both the historical and cultural inspirations behind the fragrance. This design is not only a testament to the craftsmanship of the period but also an emblem of the luxurious and imaginative spirit that defined the Rosine brand.
In the years following its discontinuation, "Connais tu le Pays?" has become a symbol of a bygone era of elegance and artistic innovation in perfumery. The rarity of the bottles adds to their mystique, making them cherished artifacts that evoke the glamour and sophistication of the 1920s and the early 1930s. Each bottle of "Connais tu le Pays?" encapsulates a piece of history, a fragrant reminder of a time when perfumes were crafted with an unparalleled dedication to beauty and detail.
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