Histoires de Parfums 7753 Unexpected Mona Review

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.

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.

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.

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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3 comments

October 14, 2024 at 3:12 pm
R2D2 says:
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!
October 14, 2024 at 3:13 pm
R2D2 says:
I am from the EU, forgot to add this to the comment.
October 14, 2024 at 3:44 pm
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.