The launch of the perfume Antinea by Rosine in 1922 coincided with a period of burgeoning artistic and cultural exploration known as the Roaring Twenties. This era was characterized by a spirit of liberation, innovation, and a fascination with the exotic and the unknown. Society was captivated by stories of exploration, discovery, and mythical tales, which permeated literature, art, and fashion.
Pronounced "Ahn-tee-nay-ah," the name "Antinea" would have been particularly appealing for a perfume during this time. Antinea, as the legendary figure from Pierre Benoit's novel "L'Atlantide," symbolized a femme fatale archetype—mysterious, alluring, and enigmatic. She was the queen of Atlantis, a mythical city submerged beneath the sea, embodying both beauty and danger. Women of the 1920s were increasingly asserting their independence and breaking away from traditional roles, seeking to embody qualities of empowerment and allure. Antinea represented a compelling figure of feminine strength and allure, resonating with women who sought to challenge conventions and embrace their own sensuality and mystique.