The spirit of Happiness: an exhibition, a book and a perfume.

The seasons pass by Château de By, and each brings its own particular smells. If summer pushes us towards the maintained park which surrounds the building, winter invites us more to enjoy the interiors, in particular the majestic workshop of Rosa Bonheur, preserved intact. When, after climbing a dark spiral staircase, you enter this room lined with a large bay window, you are greeted by a full-length portrait of the artist, placed on an easel. Here, between his works and sketches, the objects of his daily life are exhibited: paintbrushes, game bags, photographs, letters and perfume bottles. Above all, many stuffed animals decorate the room. They all died a beautiful death, it could not be otherwise for the animal lover that the painter was.

Cabinet of curiosities

Between a bazaar and a cabinet of curiosities, this workshop is a feat: architectural, first of all, because in its time it was built by Jules Saulnier, at the artist's request, as an extension of the building; but also conservation, like the titanic restoration project led by Katherine Brault, the new owner of the place. Thanks to her and her daughters who share the adventure begun in 2017, the dusty and secret sleeping beauty that was the building was completely renovated and reopened to the public in 2018. Surrounded by its remarkable park, the castle now houses a museum, a tea room and guest rooms.

Star artist

During a visit which took them from private apartments to restored attics, Véronique Nyberg, perfumer of the Mane house, and Arthur Mercier, photographer, were captivated by the imposing workshop where the unique spirit of Rosa still floats Happiness. Smoking and allowed to wear pants, most popular star artist of the second half of the 19th century^e century, in Europe as in the United States, decorated with the Legion of Honor from the hands of Empress Eugénie, this independent woman marked the history of art through the ambition of her formats – gigantic – and her subjects , the animals for which she visited the livestock fairs, or which she took in at home. It is said that more than two hundred specimens, wild, lions, monkeys, parrots – or domestic, were housed in By, not counting a hive perched on the very roof of the workshop.

Against the tide

Here there is great freedom of spirit. By thinking outside the box, a world of all possibilities arises. This is due to the vision of Rosa Bonheur who worked quietly and against the grain for women's and animal causes, through her example, her convictions and her way of life. In mirror image, Katherine Brault, through her extraordinary career and her tenacity, succeeded in mobilizing numerous private and public actors around her project to rehabilitate the site, to make it the Giverny of Île-de-France. Originally from Fontainebleau, this entrepreneur with multiple experiences in gastronomy, luxury and communication had no idea, when she visited the dilapidated residence as a child on a school trip, that she would one day be at home there, and through that would receive the five kilos of keys that open each of the doors of the house.

Interior and exterior

When it comes to fortitude, Véronique Nyberg is not to be outdone. “The work of Rosa Bonheur and the portrayal of the journeys of exceptional women who have followed one another here speak to me a lot. » The different olfactory ambiances of the castle were a source of inspiration. First in this dialogue between interior and exterior, architecture and nature, art and animals, contrasts which are replicated through the paintings themselves. To illustrate her experience of the place, she composed five olfactory tracks. Two around the surrounding nature: the park and its Muses pavilion in the shade of century-old trees, but also the forest whose estate is on the edge. And three others, like a zoom in, going from the general atmosphere of the castle, then the workshop, to a detail of the room. On its parquet floor, there is the fur of the lioness Fatma, tamed by Rosa Bonheur, which brings a warm blonde touch in a dark wooden setting. It is this proposal that was chosen for the olfactory map, appearing in each copy of the magazine Nez #17.

Creation of the perfume Fatma by Véronique Nyberg

Véronique Nyberg's artistic approach is a balance of scientific mastery and creative freedom. Doctor in chemistry, the perfumer knows the dialogue of molecules and beautiful materials from nature, which she has respected since her childhood. It was in the Hautes-Alpes, in the garden of her grandmother, a herbalist in her time, that she discovered the rhythm of plants. Since then, she has continued to study plant harmony. Practicing painting and sculpture to recharge her batteries, loving the contact of the earth and the gesture of the hand, it was with great wonder that she entered Rosa Bonheur's workshop.

“In this huge wooded room, I wanted to highlight the furry side of the lioness Fatma. His presence touched me, the affection that Rosa Bonheur had for him was worthy of a great friendship. To embody it, I used musks and warm woody notes close to the skin like Orcanox, as well as Ambramone, a Mane captive. I amplified the suede effect through styrax resinoid and tonka absolute. To accentuate the animal dimension, I used an infusion of ambergris. Finally, as a fresh and colorful counterpoint, I added a touch of Jungle essence cardamom. The atmosphere created is enveloping, comforting like a chosen family, made up of animals and friends. »

Complete article and scented card with Fatma to be found in Nez #17

Rosa Bonheur and the Wild Animals exhibition, until January 31, 2025
Full price – €18, reduced price* – €10

Rosa Bonheur Castle
12 rue Rosa Bonheur
77810 BY-THOMERY
+33 (0)1 89 40 50 90

Photo credit: @Arthur Mercier