A Matter of Style

History of beauty care through the collections of Bologna’s Civic Museums

Museo Civico Archeologico - Glass balsam jars from the Greek and Etruscan collections (6th - 4th century B.C.)Musei Civici di Bologna

Since ancient times, body care has been paramount. Why? It was driven by practical medical needs, aesthetic desires, social connections, and cultural values.

Museo Civico Archeologico - Etruscan toilet tool (Late 6th - early 5th century to. C.)Musei Civici di Bologna

Baths were a central part of social life. Beyond hygiene, they provided a space for conversations, athletic pursuits, and community interaction.

Museo Civico Archeologico - Strigil, balsamarium and patera, Roman collection (1st century A.D.)Musei Civici di Bologna

Elegant glass jars and flasks were essential for storing balms, perfumes, and even colorful powders for makeup.

Museo Civico Archeologico - Etruscan mirror with seduction scene (Second half of the 5th century B.C.)Musei Civici di Bologna

Mirrors, combs, ointments, and cosmetics have played a significant role in social life throughout history.

Museo Civico Medievale - Mirror Valve with siege of the castle of Amore, 1325-1350, From the collection of: Musei Civici di Bologna
,
Museo Civico Medievale - Wall mirror, Embriachi workshop, 1400-1425, From the collection of: Musei Civici di Bologna
Show lessRead more
Museo Civico Medievale - Comb, Late 14th - early 15th century, From the collection of: Musei Civici di Bologna
,
Museo della Musica - Wig that belonged to Gioachino Rossini, 1850/1868, From the collection of: Musei Civici di Bologna
Show lessRead more

Museo Civico Archeologico - Egyptian container for cosmetics. XVIII dynasty (Late 16th - Early 13th century B.C.)Musei Civici di Bologna

Perfume served as a dual purpose: as a remedy for ailments or as unfailing mean of seduction. For example, Bologna's famed "Acqua di Felsina" essence embodies the city's ancient name.

Museo Civico Medievale - Glass perfume vial, 13th century, From the collection of: Musei Civici di Bologna
,
Museo Davia Bargellini - Portable pharmacy, 19th century, From the collection of: Musei Civici di Bologna
Show lessRead more
Museo del Risorgimento - Advertising card for Felsina water, Late 19th century, From the collection of: Musei Civici di Bologna
,
Certosa - Stele to Pietro Bortolotti, creator of Felsina water, From the collection of: Musei Civici di Bologna
Show lessRead more

Museo del Patrimonio Industriale - Panigal soap (1950/1960) by Studio VillaniMusei Civici di Bologna

Long-standing traditions in body care practices have evolved in Bologna into a modern-day industrial hub.

Museo del Patrimonio Industriale - Marchesini BA 100 Cartoning Machine (1980/1984) by MarchesiniMusei Civici di Bologna

Museo del Patrimonio Industriale - Advertisement for the Raselet Ducati electric razor (1940/1940) by S.S.R. DucatiMusei Civici di Bologna

From soap and perfume production, the city now manufactures automated machines for the packaging and dispensing of cosmetics, that are used worldwide. Bologna is always surprising!

Museo del Patrimonio Industriale - Marchesini cosmetic packaging (1980/1990) by MarchesiniMusei Civici di Bologna

Credits: Story

Musei Civici di Bologna (Civic Museums of Bologna): Museo Civico Archeologico, Museo Civico Medievale, Collezioni Comunali d'Arte, Museo Civico d'Arte Industriale e Galleria Davia Bargellini, Museo del Tessuto e della Tappezzeria "Vittorio Zironi", MAMbo - Museo d'Arte Moderna di Bologna and exhibition venue of Villa delle Rose, Museo Morandi and Casa Morandi, Museo per la Memoria di Ustica, Museo internazionale e biblioteca della musica di Bologna, Museo civico del Risorgimento (and cultural enhancement of Certosa Monumental Cemetery), Museo del Patrimonio Industriale. 

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.