The Romance of Perfume (1928) – by Richard Le Gallienne, illustrated by George Barbier

This exquisite 1928 edition of The Romance of Perfume pairs Richard Le Gallienne’s poetic meditations on fragrance with the sumptuous Art Deco illustrations of George Barbier. Published by Richard Hudnut in New York, the book is a visual and literary ode to the allure of scent, with Barbier’s elegant plates depicting glamorous flappers, exotic blooms, and luxurious perfume bottles—all rendered in his signature style of sleek lines, bold colors, and gilded accents. Each illustration evokes the intoxicating themes of Le Gallienne’s prose, from the spice routes of Arabia to the flower markets of Grasse, making the book itself a collector’s objet d’art.

About the Illustrator
George Barbier (1882–1932) was a leading French Art Deco illustrator and designer, renowned for his fashion plates, theater costumes, and book illustrations. A protégé of the Parisian avant-garde, Barbier brought a modern sensibility to traditional craftsmanship, influencing everything from Vogue covers to Lalique glasswork. His illustrations for The Romance of Perfume showcase his genius for merging opulence with geometric precision, capturing the Jazz Age’s obsession with luxury and exoticism.

Recommended for Collectors

• Fashion Plates by George Barbier (1920s) – For more of his iconic Art Deco designs
• Les Choses de Paul Poiret (1911) illustrated by Paul Iribe – A complementary luxury-themed Art Deco gem
• The Perfume Lover (2012) by Denyse Beaulieu – A modern literary homage to fragrance

Art Gallery: George Barbier – The Romance of Perfume 1928