Johann Maria Farina

Johann Maria Farina (1685-1766), also known as Giovanni Maria Farina, was a German-Italian Cologne perfume maker primarily responsible for establishing Eau de Cologne. In German it is known as "Kölnisch Wasser".

At the beginning of the 18th century, Johann Maria Farina, created a new fragrance which he named Eau de Cologne. This fragrance was something very new in contrast to the sultry, sweet fragrances in use at the time. With his Eau de Cologne, Johann Maria Farina made Cologne world famous as a city of perfume in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Johann Maria Farina died in 1766, and is interred in the Melaten-Friedhof (cemetery) in Cologne, where a cenotaph commemorates his invention.

He is honored by a statue at the Many famous people were amongst his customers, Charles VI of Austria, Maria Theresa of Austria, Clemens August I of Bavaria, and Frederick William I of Prussia.

Today the term "eau de cologne" is used worldwide to refer to a light fragrance, especially one with a low concentration of aromatic substances in solvent.

External links

* [http://www.farina1709.com Homepage of Farina Family in Cologne]
* [http://www.farina.eu/ Fragrance Museum Farina-Haus]
* [http://www.eau-de-cologne.com/ Eau de Cologne] de icon