Queen of the Nile by Prince Matchabelli c1928

Launched in 1928, "Queen of the Nile" by Prince Matchabelli is a name that conjures visions of ancient Egypt, the majestic Nile River, and the iconic queens who ruled over this mysterious land, such as Cleopatra. The choice of the name "Queen of the Nile" was likely influenced by the fascination with Egyptology that swept through the Western world in the early 20th century, spurred by the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922. This event reignited a global obsession with all things Egyptian, influencing art, fashion, and literature. The name "Queen of the Nile" evokes a sense of timeless elegance, power, and seduction, qualities that would have been appealing to the modern woman of the 1920s who sought to embody a sense of exotic allure.

The name also speaks to the romanticism and mystique associated with ancient Egyptian culture. "Queen of the Nile" brings to mind images of regal queens adorned in gold and jewels, ruling over a civilization rich in culture and history. The Nile River itself, often referred to as the lifeblood of Egypt, symbolizes fertility, renewal, and the enduring flow of life. The name would have resonated with women of the time as it suggested an aura of strength, sophistication, and an exotic allure that was both timeless and unattainable.

During the 1920s, the allure of ancient Egypt was further popularized by the media. Films such as "The Ten Commandments" (1923) and the rise of the Art Deco movement, which often incorporated Egyptian motifs, contributed to the cultural zeitgeist. Books and plays that romanticized the lives of ancient Egyptian figures also captivated the public's imagination. Against this backdrop, "Queen of the Nile" would have been interpreted as a fragrance embodying the mystery, sensuality, and exoticism of ancient Egypt, offering a sensory escape to a world of ancient splendor.

The perfume itself, classified as a spicy oriental fragrance, would have been seen as a fitting tribute to its evocative name. Oriental fragrances were characterized by their warm, rich, and complex compositions, often incorporating exotic spices, resins, and florals. These perfumes were designed to be bold, luxurious, and opulent, qualities that aligned perfectly with the imagery of an Egyptian queen. "Queen of the Nile" would have stood out as a fragrance that captured the imagination, offering women a way to channel their inner Cleopatra—an embodiment of strength, beauty, and seduction.

In the context of the 1920s, when women were experiencing newfound freedoms and embracing modernity, a perfume like "Queen of the Nile" would have been both a nod to the past and a statement of empowerment. While the fragrance fit within the broader trend of oriental perfumes popular at the time, its unique positioning as a tribute to ancient Egypt made it distinctive. It offered women an opportunity to connect with the ancient world's grandeur and mystery while embracing their contemporary identities.

Overall, "Queen of the Nile" by Prince Matchabelli was more than just a fragrance; it was an embodiment of the exotic, the powerful, and the timeless, offering women a way to express their own inner queens through the art of scent.

Fragrance Composition:

So what did it smell like? It was classified as a spicy oriental fragrance for women. 

• Top notes: Calabrian bergamot, orange blossom, aldehydes
• Middle notes: carnation, lily, rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, clove, cinnamon
• Base notes: musk, patchouli, frankincense, Abyssinian ambergris, Mysore sandalwood, oakmoss, vanilla

Theatre Magazine, Volume 52, 1930:

"THREE new perfumes by Prince Matchabelli will be available this month to given exotic, tropical lure to these chill autumn nights. 'Queen of Babylon', which is just a bit wicked, will counteract the naivete of a "sweet" frock. 'Queen of the Nile' is a spicy perfume appropriately garbed in a bottle shaped like a pyramid. 'Jungle Flower', my favorite of the three, has captured precisely, the luscious scent of hyacinths."

Scent Profile:

 As I take in the first breath of "Queen of the Nile," I am immediately enveloped by the scent of Calabrian bergamot. This bright, citrusy note is like a ray of golden sunlight breaking through the dawn over the Nile, fresh and invigorating, with a hint of bitter zest. It evokes the freshness of early morning, a time when Cleopatra herself might have risen to oversee her kingdom. The bergamot is joined by the delicate and ethereal orange blossom, a flower revered in ancient Egypt for its purity and beauty. The orange blossom's sweet, floral undertones whisper of secret gardens hidden within the royal palace, where the air is thick with the scent of blossoming trees. The aldehydes add an airy, almost sparkling quality, reminiscent of the cool, clean air that sweeps over the river, carrying with it the scent of distant lands.

As the fragrance evolves, the heart notes begin to reveal themselves, each one unfolding like the petals of a flower. The spicy warmth of carnation rises first, with its peppery bite and slightly clove-like aroma, conjuring images of Cleopatra's opulent chambers, where the air is filled with the scent of exotic blooms. The lily, with its creamy, almost waxy scent, is a symbol of purity and royalty, echoing the queen's regal presence. The rose, often associated with love and beauty, adds a rich, velvety depth, like the lush petals of a crimson flower in full bloom. Jasmine, with its intoxicating sweetness, and ylang-ylang, with its rich, slightly narcotic fragrance, swirl together in a heady blend that speaks of passion and seduction—qualities Cleopatra was known for.

The spices of clove and cinnamon bring warmth and depth to the fragrance. The clove is sharp and pungent, reminiscent of the resins and spices that Cleopatra might have burned in her private quarters, while the cinnamon adds a sweet, spicy warmth, like a golden dusting of ancient spice, hinting at the riches of her empire.

As the fragrance settles into its base, the ancient world of Cleopatra is fully realized. The rich, animalic musk emerges, earthy and sensual, reminiscent of the queen’s own allure—a scent that would have captivated and commanded attention. The patchouli adds a dark, earthy quality, grounding the fragrance with its deep, woody scent, as if pulling you down to the rich, fertile earth along the Nile’s banks. Frankincense, a precious resin long used in Egyptian rituals, adds a mystical, spiritual layer, with its sweet, balsamic smoke rising like incense in a sacred temple.

Abyssinian ambergris, a rare and valuable ingredient, adds a warm, marine note that brings to mind the timeless ebb and flow of the Nile, the lifeblood of Egypt. This ambergris is as elusive and mysterious as the queen herself, leaving a lingering warmth that is both comforting and enigmatic. Mysore sandalwood contributes its creamy, smooth texture, adding a layer of luxurious softness, like the silks and linens that adorned the queen. The oakmoss adds an earthy, green quality, evoking the lush vegetation of the riverbanks and the ancient trees that have witnessed centuries of history. Finally, a touch of vanilla rounds out the fragrance with its sweet, comforting warmth, a reminder of the enduring legacy of Cleopatra’s reign—a blend of power, beauty, and timeless allure.

Together, these notes create a fragrance that is as complex and multifaceted as Cleopatra herself. "Queen of the Nile" is not just a perfume; it is a journey into the heart of ancient Egypt, a place where the air is thick with the scent of spices, flowers, and the eternal river that gave life to a civilization. It is a fragrance that embodies the strength, mystery, and allure of the legendary queen, offering a glimpse into a world where beauty and power were intertwined, and where every breath was filled with the scent of history.

Bottles:

"Queen of the Nile" was originally housed in a striking amber crystal pyramid bottle, a design that perfectly encapsulates the mystique and grandeur of ancient Egypt. The pyramid, a symbol of power, immortality, and the divine, was an inspired choice for this fragrance, evoking the awe-inspiring monuments that still stand as a testament to the might of the Pharaohs. The bottle is molded with the Matchabelli crest, adding a regal touch that reflects the brand's noble heritage.

The stopper, also shaped like a pyramid, seamlessly continues the architectural theme, enhancing the bottle's overall symmetry and elegance. This design choice not only complements the exotic, opulent nature of the fragrance but also reinforces its connection to the timeless allure of Egypt.

It is believed that the bottle was crafted in either France or Czechoslovakia, both of which were renowned for their exquisite glassmaking during the early 20th century. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in this bottle make it a true work of art, worthy of the legendary fragrance it contains. Today, this bottle is one of the rarest and most sought-after collectibles from Prince Matchabelli, a treasure for both perfume enthusiasts and collectors of fine glassware. Its rarity only adds to the allure of "Queen of the Nile," making it a coveted piece of history that echoes the elegance and mystery of its namesake.

Fate of the Fragrance:

"Queen of the Nile," a fragrance that captured the exotic allure of ancient Egypt, was discontinued at an unknown date. Despite its eventual discontinuation, this captivating scent continued to be available on the market as late as 1936. The fragrance, with its rich blend of spicy oriental notes, had become a symbol of luxury and mystique, appealing to women who were drawn to its opulent and evocative character.

The fact that "Queen of the Nile" was still being sold in 1936 suggests that it maintained a loyal following even as the world around it changed. The 1930s were a time of transition, marked by the lingering effects of the Great Depression and the growing tensions leading up to World War II. During this period, women sought escapism through the glamour and fantasy that fragrances like "Queen of the Nile" provided. The scent, with its evocative name and exotic ingredients, offered a sensory journey to distant lands, allowing women to experience a touch of the legendary beauty and power associated with Cleopatra and the Nile.

Although the exact date of its discontinuation remains unknown, the enduring presence of "Queen of the Nile" in the market during the 1930s is a testament to its lasting appeal. It is a fragrance that, even in its absence, continues to be remembered for its unique place in the history of perfumery, embodying the timeless allure of ancient Egypt and the sophisticated elegance of the women who wore it.