Histoires de Parfums 7753 Unexpected Mona Review (Marie Hugentobler) 2019 + enigmatic smile giveaway

Histoires de Parfums 7753 Unexpected Mona

 J’s image of Histoires de Parfums 7753 Unexpected Mona

The Mona Lisa stands as one of the most iconic paintings in the world, renowned for its numerous reproductions displayed in museums globally. The most celebrated version, created by Leonardo Da Vinci, resides in the Louvre, where it is protected by layers of bulletproof glass and surrounded by a substantial barrier. When I first encountered it, I found it surprisingly underwhelming; its domestic size belies its immense cultural significance. I was more captivated by the crowd of onlookers than by the artwork itself, despite having studied it in-depth in art history. However, during my second visit, I had the room to myself, allowing me to truly appreciate the groundbreaking techniques that Da Vinci employed to create depth within the painting. He skillfully transcended from the flatness of the past, using mathematical principles to establish depth and horizon lines creating a work that captures the way our eyes see the world. Whilst many think of the Mona Lisa as a portrait, for 7753 Unexpected Mona and me it’s all about the space held within the work, the 7753 in Histoires de Parfums 7753 Unexpected Mona references the size of the work and the perfume’s composition really captures the space between.

 

The Mona Lisa painting and Sophia Loren 1964 in front of The Mona Lisa at the Louvre (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)

Mona Lisa, often referred to as La Giaconda, is the spouse of Francesco del Giaconda. This iconic artwork is created using oil paint on wood. The work itself features a woman dressed in an expensive attire of Florence from her time, seated against a dreamlike, mountainous backdrop. It exemplifies Leonardo’s masterful sfumato technique of soft, heavily shaded modelling, where the subject and the scenery seamlessly blurs gently at the edges, like light is softening the hardness. The Mona Lisa’s mysterious smile, which conveys both charm and detachment, has contributed to the portrait’s worldwide fame. 7753 Unexpected Mona opens with lush floral greens that conjure a creamy texture that reminds me of oil paint, skillfully mirroring the essence of Da Vinci’s masterpiece in both tone and atmosphere.

 

Top detail  of The Mona Lisa showing the background

The sharp greens of galbanum and the richness of cassis amplify this experience, while a gentle, sweet fruity note evokes the sensation of paint being spread across a canvas. It offers a dense, immersive feel of a green floral that invites you to sink into. The Mona Lisa was one of the first portraits to feature the subject set against an imagined landscape and Da Vinci was among the first to employ aerial perspective. The enigmatic figure is shown seated in what seems to be an open loggia, flanked by dark pillars. Behind her, a sweeping landscape fades into distant, cold mountains, with meandering paths and a far-off bridge hinting at human presence. Histoires de Parfums 7753 Unexpected Mona captures that soft-focus essence of an abstract brushstroke, showcasing a bright ivy green hue interspersed with darker aromatic notes and refreshing, watery elements, introduced by hints of something pear like and bergamot. The perfume has a sense of spaciousness, with creamy woods bringing the colours of the mid-ground to life.

The graceful contours of the woman’s hair and attire, rendered through the technique of sfumato, mimic the flowing imaginary landscapes and rivers that lie behind her. The soft, indistinct outlines, elegant silhouette, striking contrasts of light and shadow and the overall serene ambiance are hallmarks of da Vinci’s style. The addition of black pepper spices injects a burst of vibrancy, while more subtle floral notes begin to emerge. Tuberose creates the sensation of smooth skin, complemented by the coolness of pear flesh, creating a sleek, velvety petal texture. This softness is mirrored in the delicate, airy fabric of her garments and headpiece, where heliotrope and sandalwood contribute a silky sensation, enhancing the tuberose’s cool sensuality. Orange blossom and cassis softly purr with a hint of narcotic allure, perhaps hinting at the reason for enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa, while refreshing the smooth, silky essence of the tuberose Histoires de Parfums 7753 Unexpected Mona’s tuberose has a youthful energy; one can sense her awakening sensuality, there’s a hidden depth within the musks and human essence bubbling just beneath the surface, with an earthy undertone lingering at the periphery, blending seamlessly into this soft floral, reminiscent of da Vinci’s sfumato technique.

Mona Lisa inspired Histoires de Parfums 7553 Unexpected Mona

 detail: a  section of The Mona Lisa showing the clothing and textures (free use).

Da Vinci’s strategic use of vanishing points directs our attention to the Mona Lisa’s eyes, making them the centrepiece of the artwork. The position of the vanishing point appears to shift based on whether you gaze to the right or left across the landscape. Da Vinci aimed to replicate reality as perceived by the human eye, which explains his composition of the elements in the painting. The overall harmony is particularly evident in the sitter’s subtle smile, as if it embodies the connection between humanity and nature.

 7753 Unexpected Mona Histoires de Parfums

J’s image of Histoires de Parfums 7753 Unexpected Mona

 

The pear like fruitiness adds an airy elegance, complemented by creamier woods that enhance the soft, demure Mona Lisa smile. Gentle greens swirl around the tuberose, while sandalwood gives a buttery, silky texture to the flower, echoing the graceful painting style that defines the Mona Lisa’s figure. The materials blend seamlessly, mirroring her smooth skin and the tender embrace of her hands. This is beautifully reflected in Histoires de Parfums 7753 Unexpected Mona, which evolves from the loosely sketched abstract background to a more vibrant foreground, alive with the silky essence of tuberose, oakmoss, and heliotrope. Sandalwood weaves its creamy magic, enriched by a soft, aromatic cool mossiness teasing out more of that smoothness. It has a feel of a delicate green chypre wrapped in luxurious musks that expands as you wear it. There’s a beautiful complexity in Histoires de Parfums 7753 Unexpected Mona, it not only captures the tones and feel of the painting, but the depth instilled within the work.

Notes: Italian bergamot, Ivy, Ma Khaen Berry, Tuberose, Barbary Fig, Heliotrope, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Oakmoss.

J @wearescentient, Senior Editor, artist and olfactive writer.

 

 7753 Unexpected Mona by Histoires de Parfums

Histoires de Parfums 7753 Unexpected Mona courtesy of the brand.

 Thanks to the generosity of Histoires de Parfums we have a 2 oz bottle for one registered reader in the USA, OR EU or your entry will not count. You must be a registered CaFleureBon reader. (If you are not sure if you are registered click here (you must register on our site or your entry will be invalid). To be eligible, please leave a comment saying what sparks your interest based on J’s review and where you live. Do you have a favourite Histoires de Parfums fragrance?  What painting might make a great perfume? Draw closes 10/17/2024

 Available at Histoires de Parfums online and fine stockists.

 Please read Olya on 1804 George Sand, read my review of This is Not A Blue Bottle 1.3 here. watch Steven’s video of This is Not A Blue Bottle 1.7 here. Lauryn’s reviews of 1.4 and 1.5 here

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33 comments

  • J’s review of Unexpected Mona really draws me in with the way they describe the perfume’s layers as a reflection of the Mona Lisa’s depth and enigmatic aura. The comparison between Da Vinci’s sfumato technique and the perfume’s evolving soft floral notes, especially the tuberose and sandalwood, makes it sound incredibly sophisticated and almost like a sensory experience beyond just a scent. I love how the use of green notes and airy pear hints seem to capture the painting’s balance between nature and the human form. It’s fascinating how J highlights the perfume as not just inspired by the painting but as an olfactory interpretation of its subtle nuances, like Mona Lisa’s smile.

    As for my favorite Histoires de Parfums fragrance, I’ve always been drawn to 1969, with its rich, warm, and spicy composition, but this one sounds like a must-try for its complexity and elegance. As for a painting that would make a great perfume, The Starry Night by Van Gogh comes to mind—imagine a fragrance that captures swirling lavender, earthy notes, and maybe a touch of smoky incense to evoke the night sky!

  • Ramses Perez says:

    When I first saw the Mona Lisa I also got the reaction J did which is it’s size is much smaller to how much of a cultural impact it has had in our lives. It’s truly the most famous painting in the world for a reason and I’m glad we know have a fragrance to capture its essence. I see how the notes match to the actual painting, it’s a refined, airy and at the same time fresh composition that has transcended to something beyond physical. The physical space and depth instilled within the work is a dichotomy that will always be there and also continue to inspire many artists to create. Another painting I’d like to see be turned into art is Starry Night. I’m located in the USA.

  • markofrojlan says:

    it’s always interesting to see a contemporary reinterpretations of things from the past, especially in the form of a perfume! it was a pleasure to read! my fave from the brand is this is not a blue bottle 1.1 and im from croatia, eu

    a painting that might make a great perfume is four seasons by cy twombly!

  • The review of Histoires de Parfums 7753 Unexpected Mona highlights how this fragrance mirrors the enigmatic and layered beauty of the Mona Lisa. I’m particularly captivated by how the green floral opening echoes the soft focus and depth of Da Vinci’s painting, with its blend of ivy, tuberose, sandalwood, and oakmoss. It gracefully evolves like a masterpiece, unfolding creamy textures that evoke the mysterious charm of the painting. The detailed presentation of the scent and its ability to capture the essence of Mona Lisa’s subtlety is both intriguing and artistically inspiring. I love the intention behind this.

    US

  • J emphasizes the perfume’s ability to evoke emotions and a sense of enthrallment, much like the Mona Lisa’s gaze. This emotional depth adds a layer of intrigue to the fragrance. And that really sparks my interest. I think that Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks would be an interesting gourmand fragrance. I live in Trzebnica, Poland, EU.

  • I enjoyed reading J’s interpretations of the scent as they related to the physical aspects of the painting as opposed to the cultural feeling around it. There’s a certain satisfaction in finding a specific way to pin down a famously enigmatic work haha

    I am new to this fragrance house, but am excited to explore them more after reading this review! I’ve always loved paintings by Herbert James Draper. Something light, airy, and a little aquatic to match The Water Baby would be lovely
    – NY, USA

  • Just wow, probably the best article i have read here. This felt like it was written by an artist or an art critic. Fantastic description of Da Vinci work through which the author tries to communicate how the fragrance smells like. In my point of view the fragrance tries to mimic the painting starting from the surroundings moving on the styling of Mona Lisa and ending with the actual human figure. So the fragrance opens green creamy and transitions to a sandalwood and tuberose kind of a fragrance with fruity hints. I believe that is leans more feminine but i am curious to try it an see the connection with the painting. My favourite from the house is Casanova. I live in Greece, EU.

  • Histoires de Parfums 7753 Unexpected Mona is an intriguing olfactory interpretation of an iconic visual masterpiece. J references the space held within the painting captured by the perfume. The abstract brushwork, the tone and atmosphere, the use of vanishing points and sfumato all have counterparts in the perfume’s composition. A very inspired appoach to perfume creation and a very interesting review. MD, USA.

  • I’m very intrigued by the “pear-like fruitiness” description. I’ve been looking for a unique tuberose so I am also interested in trying this for that note.

    I would love to see an entire perfume collection based on Waterhouse paintings!

    I’ve never tried anything from Histoires de Parfums but have always wanted to. USA

  • Histoires de Parfums is a house I have only recently started exploring, starting first with a few of the This Is Not A Blue Bottle entries, as well as Marquis de Sade and Hemingway. So far I’m quite impressed and would love to try this one. J’s review beautifully described the various nuances and layers within both the fragrance and the painting that inspired it. I was already intrigued, but once he called it a “green chypre wrapped in luxurious musks”, I was fully sold as I am I huge fan of chypre fragrances, especially when they don’t shy away from musks.

    Regarding other paintings I think would make a good perfume, I’d love to see Bouguereau’s Dante and Virgil interpreted by John Pegg or Darren Alan. They would have incredibly different takes as their styles are worlds apart, but I think they could each pull it off in their unique way. Man, now I want this to be a thing. lol. Best of luck to all. I live in NC, USA.

  • Sorohan Adriana says:

    Unexpected Mona really draws me in with the way they describe the perfume’s layers as a reflection of the Mona Lisa’s depth and enigmatic aura. I am from EU

  • Ooh I think some of my favorite Histoires de Parfum‘s are 114 and 1804. And what struck me on this review is the way the sandalwood and Ivy was described. I’d also like to see how the fig plays because I just adore fig. This review was such a fun read! A painting I’d love to see as perfume is Van Goghs Irises, Mark Doox The Canonization of Saint John Coltrane, O’Keefe’s Grey Lines with Black, Blue and Yellow, Klimt’s Hygieia, Chagall Blue Violinist, Khalil Gibran (yes the writer also painted!) Divine World (charcoal 1923) and Leonora Carrington’s I’m Not Anyone’s Muse.
    I am in California, thank you for the chance to win.

  • wonderscent.mari says:

    Thanks for this fantastic review J! I was fascinated by the description of Da Vinci enigmatic work and how this fragrance mirrors the aura of Mona Lisa! I like how it connects the art of Da Vinci to the experience of perfume, transforming scent into an exploring journey of depth layers of this famous enigmatic and seductive figure in art history! The balance between the sharpiness of green notes, the creaminess of woods and the sensation of tuberose is sth that I definitely want to experience.
    A painting that I am very curious to experience as perfume is the Starry Night by Van Gogh!
    Thank you for this wonderful giveaway!
    I live in Germany

    P. S. My favorite Histoires de Parfums fragrance is 1969.

  • I envy the ability to combine the experience of smell with the contemplation of a painting. It takes a lot of imagination. It’s amazing how you can interpret individual notes as elements of a painting, and how the entire structure of the scent reflects the painting technique used. I like this sentence the most: “Orange blossom and cassis softly purr with a hint of narcotic allure, perhaps hinting at the reason for the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa…” I smiled enigmatically myself at this.
    From the Histoires de Parfums catalog, I like 1899 the most. It’s a very optimistic scent that brings me many compliments.
    As for a painting that would make a great perfume, I choose the Max Ernst “Fireside Angel” painting. I imagine it as a spicy, bursting with colors, animalic beast.
    I live in the EU.

  • This line sparked my interest the most, “…has a feel of a delicate green chypre wrapped in luxurious musks that expands as you wear it.” I have no favourite from the house. US

  • These are words worth contemplating. I had been initially unimpressed with the Mona Lisa as well when I saw it in person. Maybe it was the spectacle of it all and the crowd that constantly surrounds it. I would love to revisit it now and just imagine that I am viewing it alone and just seeping into the painting and actually feeling the colors and smelling the breeze floating by that scene. I wonder if it could be as serene and soft as the way it is represented through olfactory notes here. Sounds like a lovely dream to behold and inhale.
    Thank you for the draw! I’m in the US.

  • The notes description sounds fabulous but I must admit that in reading the review I kept going back to the painting again and again to relive it myself and see what points the review used to compare to the scent. Nicely done! I live in the US.

  • As a long-time admirer of Histoires de Parfums, I’ve always been captivated by how the brand weaves stories into fragrances, with 1740 and 1876 being among my all-time favorites. With ‘7753 Unexpected Mona’ I can expect a more subtle experience, of woody florals giving way to rich musks. It sounds classical, playful, mysterious, much like the original painting. I’m excited for the chance to experience this unique interpretation of Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile. Dreaming of paintings I’d love to see made as perfumes, the first that comes to mind is the raw, feral energy of Stuck’s ‘The Wild Hunt’.
    Greetings from Spain (EU)

  • Oh this sounds interesting. I love me a tuberose on a creamy woody base, and have never tried one which started green, fruity and airy before. Wonderful review btw, really enjoyed the parallel between the painting and the notes unfolding.
    I live in the EU.

  • paulaiudita says:

    J’s review made me “feel” the airiness of this complex perfume: Pear, tuberosa, sandalwood must be enchanting together. I also like Vidi ant This is not a blue bottle 1.3 of Histoire de la parfums
    Italy

  • JonathanFinley says:

    J really captures the fragrance and the painting so artistically . I have only seen the Mona Lisa in photos. Tuberose, sandalwood and Oakmoss sound beautiful together. I am curious to know what Ma Khaen Berry is.
    My favorite Hdp are Ambre 119 and 1899 Hemingway.
    USA

  • That was quite a nice and detailed breakdown of this famous painting and it is great that Histoires de Parfums did a perfume in its honor. I like that as one who has experienced the Mona Lisa, you found 7753 captured its depth and it therefore must be a masterpiece. My favorites from Histoires de Parfums are 1828 and 1725. I’m in TX USA

  • goknitintheocean says:

    This is such a lovely review. I was enchanted to read about the tuberose in Unexpected Mona, because I am so regularly blown away(and not in a good way) by the overuse of this note in so many fragrances, and this one sounds so nicely underplayed! And so many other spectacular notes to read about, including pear, and sandalwood. I do not have a favorite HdP fragrance, yet…And I live in NYC/USA.

    Thank you!
    Deborah

  • I loved the parallel review between the two Mona Lisas. J’s areas of expertise intersect in this article, the result being a colourful description of the Unexpected Mona, decomposing the scent stroke by stroke.
    Thanks for the review and the draw, from Europe.

  • I didn’t realize the Mona Lisa was so well protected. I would love to see it in person to notice those brush strokes. Lately I’ve been enchanted by sandalwood, that buttery feel with the flower has my interest. My favorite of the line is Moulon Rouge. I’d love to see a fragrance based on Gerald’s Tree by Georgia O’keefe. The dry tree with the red rock, a touch of greenery and the arid desert. Thanks for the chance. USA.

  • I have not tried this one yet, although I love this house and have a few favorites that I wear quite often, like 1740 and 1726. Looking forward to 7753 and judging from the notes, I think I am going to enjoy this one as wel. Thanks! Europe

  • Really interesting writeup about Mona Lisa and analogy to this Histoires de Parfums fragrance. Thinking about the Mona Lisa as an early rendering of depth and perspective is a transformative way to consider the work, and I love the comparison of the backdrop to the texture of 7753 Unexpected Mona, with its green floral landscape. I enjoyed learning about both in this review. I’d love to try Histoires de Parfums 7753 Unexpected Mona and am particularly intrigued by the way tuberose is centered here. I haven’t tried any Histoires de Parfums fragrances. And if I were to make a painting into a perfume, I’d try either Hopper’s Nighthawks (bitter coffee, sweet petrol, metallic notes, a hint of floral perfume) or Christina’s World (hay, the smell of autumn leaves, hints of saltwater in the air).

    I’m in the USA.

  • Michael Prince says:

    What interests me based on J’s review of Histoires de Parfums 7753 Unexpected Mona. It sounds like a beautiful fragrance that’s inspired by the Mona Lisa painting with beautiful buttery silky Tuberose and Helitrope. I love the sound of this beautiful and accessible fragrance. John Martin The Destruction of Pompeii would be a cool painting to create a fragrance about. I am from the USA.

  • I loved reading J’s review on this fragrance from HdP and also felt that there is beauty to discover with every unfolding complex layer of 7753 Unexpected Mona.
    Many thanks! I am based in the EU.

  • David Furman says:

    A subtle smile is what I hope to get from this scent. This one is intriguing to say the least. I expect this one to wear subtle but solid. I don’t think this here is a screamer of sorts but I’m confident it has legs and sticks with you for a good while. I guess this is a modern take on your old school Chypre style fragrance. I have very little experience with these as well as the brand histories. Hoping to learn more and hopefully be blessed this bottle so I can broaden my horizons in the niche space. From Jacksonville, NC.

  • FragranceIsMe says:

    A fragrance that was inspired by trying to capture the smile of the Mona Lisa sounds very complex to me. I’m intrigued with the notes and look forward to experiencing this creation.
    USA

  • The Khaen Berry note sounds interesting. As a gardener, I’m drawn to green earthy scents. I liked the description of 7753 Unexpected Mona as if “alive with the silky essence of tuberose, oakmoss, and heliotrope.” Thanks for another awesome review and draw. Michigan USA
    One of my faves from Histoires de Parfums is Fidelis.