Bottle of eau de cologne

Eau de cologne, which is still sold today, was introduced at the beginning of the 18th century by the Italian immigrant Johann Maria Farina, Italian Giovanni Maria Farina (1685–1766) in Cologne as Aqua mirabilis (scented water). As the defining fragrance of the 18th century, it was popular at numerous courts. From the end of the 18th century onwards, more and more imitations came onto the market and, over time, eau de cologne became the general term for a light fragrance.

Eau de cologne bottle, color photography, 2006, photographer: Farina archive; source: Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1885-Molanus-Flasche.JPG, public domain.