Bouquet de Marie Christine by Guerlain, launched in 1879, is a delicate floral composition created to commemorate the marriage of Maria Christina of Austria to King Alfonso XII of Spain. The name, translated as “Marie Christine’s Bouquet,” evokes the elegance and refinement of a freshly gathered royal posy, conjuring images of formal gardens, sunlit Spanish courtyards, and the ceremonial grandeur of a royal wedding. It would be pronounced roughly as “Boo-kay de Ma-ree Krees-teen,” a soft, lyrical name that captures the aristocratic poise of its dedicatee. The fragrance was intended to honor a queen renowned for her grace, intelligence, and measured sense of duty, reflecting both her personal charm and her role as a stabilizing presence in the Spanish court during a period of regency.
The perfume’s character can be imagined as light, elegant, and refined, echoing the aura of Maria Christina herself—a tall, fair, and well-educated woman, whose poise and composure made her an ideal candidate for such a commemorative scent. Guerlain, with a long tradition of crafting bespoke fragrances for European royalty, likely drew inspiration from flowers typical to Spain, creating a composition that was simultaneously sophisticated and accessible, embodying both ceremonial grandeur and tender femininity. Women of the period would have perceived a fragrance like Bouquet de Marie Christine as aspirational: a subtle yet unmistakable statement of refinement and cultivated taste, suitable for formal events and high society.
As a floral bouquet, the fragrance evokes the soft, verdant elegance of a royal garden. Imagining the scent, one might first encounter fresh, dewy florals, possibly jasmine and rose, mingling with gentle hints of lily or violet, creating a delicate top accord that is both bright and harmonious. The heart of the fragrance would likely be a refined, classical floral blend, enhanced with subtle sweet or green notes, emphasizing clarity and balance without overpowering richness. A soft, musky or woody base may have been employed to give the composition longevity and warmth, providing a gentle undercurrent that supports the florals while evoking the dignity and quiet power of its royal inspiration.
In the context of the late 19th century, Bouquet de Marie Christine would have fit beautifully within Guerlain’s oeuvre and the broader European perfume landscape, which often celebrated aristocratic figures and ceremonial occasions with delicate floral arrangements. At a time when perfumes were both personal adornments and public statements of taste, this fragrance would have been recognized as a refined expression of status, elegance, and the House of Guerlain’s artistry—a tribute to both a queen and the enduring power of floral perfumery.
Maria Christina of Austria, formally Maria Christina Désirée Henriette Felicitas Rainiera (21 July 1858 – 6 February 1929), was Queen consort of Spain as the second wife of King Alfonso XII. Known affectionately to her family as Christa, she was born at Židlochovice Castle (Groß Seelowitz), near Brno in Moravia, the daughter of Archduke Karl Ferdinand of Austria and Archduchess Elisabeth Franziska of Austria. From an early age, Maria Christina was described as tall, fair, sensible, and well-educated, qualities that would serve her well in both her personal and political life.
Upon the death of King Alfonso XII, Maria Christina was pregnant, leaving the Spanish throne temporarily vacant. Depending on the gender of her unborn child, either she would act as regent or her elder daughter, Infanta María Mercedes, would inherit precedence. Her son, Alfonso XIII, was born a king, and Maria Christina ruled as regent until he attained his majority in 1902. During her regency, she relied on her chief advisor, Práxedes Mateo Sagasta, and governed with a measured respect for constitutional law. She implemented political reforms designed to prevent conflicts and maintain stability in Spain, balancing ceremonial duties with the practical responsibilities of a temporary ruler. Her role was largely to preserve the monarchy for her son while safeguarding Spain from political unrest.
After Alfonso XIII married in 1906, Maria Christina stepped back from her formal position as first lady at court, assuming the titles of Queen Dowager and Queen Mother. She continued to exert influence in subtle and dignified ways, embodying the grace and stability for which she was known. Maria Christina passed away in 1929 at the Royal Palace in Madrid and was laid to rest at El Escorial, leaving behind a legacy of prudence, dignity, and careful stewardship of the Spanish crown during a crucial period in its history.
Fragrance Composition:
So what does it smell like? Bouquet de Marie Christine was likely inspired by the rich and vibrant floral landscapes of Spain. While the exact notes of the fragrance are not documented, one can imagine a delicate composition that captured the elegance and refinement appropriate for a royal occasion. Spanish gardens of the period were renowned for their abundant blooms, often featuring roses, jasmine, orange blossom, and other soft, aromatic flowers. These florals would have conveyed a sense of freshness, femininity, and sophistication, perfectly suited to honor the young Queen Maria Christina on her marriage.
The perfume’s character can be envisioned as light and airy, with top notes reminiscent of the early morning dew over a sunlit garden, evoking a soft sweetness from roses and the gentle brightness of orange blossoms. The heart of the fragrance would likely have unfolded into richer floral accords, blending jasmine with hints of gardenia or other regionally favored blooms, creating a refined and harmonious bouquet. Finally, subtle base notes—perhaps soft musks or delicate woods—would provide a lingering warmth, giving depth and elegance without overpowering the delicate floral core.
In the context of its time, such a perfume would have exemplified Guerlain’s tradition of crafting bespoke fragrances for European aristocracy, balancing floral charm with the sophistication expected at court. Women of the era would have related to it as both an emblem of refinement and a subtle indulgence—a wearable expression of grace and celebration, echoing the majesty of a royal wedding and the elegance of a Spanish garden in full bloom.
Bottles:
Presented in the Carre flacon.
Fate of the Fragrance:
Discontinued, date unknown.
La Ilustración española y americana - Part 2 - Page 374, 1885:
La Ilustración española y americana - Part 2 - Page 374, 1885:
"For girls, Guerlain has composed a simple perfume, as fresh and engaging youth as a spring bouquet, is Maria Cristina which has served to sponsor HM Queen of Spain. So young families have timely responded to thinking to adopt Guerlain, and Maria Cristina sponsoring the perfume house Guerlain 15 rue de la Paix in Paris."
La Nouvelle revue, 1888:
As for the perfumery question, I leave it to our perfumer, Guerlain, to resolve them. Less capricious on this subject than on many others, fashion here is almost immutable. And the very name Guerlain, which once returned to the stage of the Comédie-Franciase on the occasion of the revival of Les Effrontés, is the best proof of this. Emile Augier's play is certainly not new! And the "first" dates back to the imperial years. But, from that time, Guerlain was the fashionable perfumer and its essences distributed the perfume, the imperial Russian already vying for it with the eau de Cologne of the same label, which had preceded it on the toilets of elegant ladies. Since then, many other perfumes have come to complete the exquisite collection of the house of Guerlain, and the Imperial Russian now has for rivals, in its ever ascending favor, the Pao-Rosa, the Marie-Christine, the White Heliotrope, the Shore-Caprice, the Maréchale-Duchesse, the Primavera de España, the Essential Balm of Violets, etc. , etc As you can see, our refined, smooth dilettantes are spoiled for choice.
General route of France: Provence, 1891:
GUERLAIN 15, rue de la Paix, Paris Perfumes: Imperial Russian, Marie-Christine, Jicky, Eau de Cologne Imperiale, the same Amber or Russian. Sapoceti, special soap patented in 1843 - Strawberry Cream, the best Cold Cream - Cypris Powder, refreshing and unalterable - Excellence, quintessence of Amber Flowers, for the toilet and the handkerchief.
Fate of the Fragrance:
Discontinued, date unknown. Still being sold in 1892
