In Renaissance Rome, an extraordinary gift transformed the course of history: the arrival of Hanno, a white albino elephant, a symbol of royalty and divinity. This majestic animal, given to Pope Leo X, inspired works of art and, centuries later, our exclusive fragrances.

Today, we take you on a fascinating journey, exploring the history of Annone and its influence on the creation of Annone and A perfumes, masterpieces of oriental elegance.

The White Elephant That Conquered Rome and the Pope's Heart

In March 1514, Rome was the scene of an extraordinary event: the arrival of Hanno, a domesticated albino white elephant from the island of Ceylon, sent as a gift by King Manuel I of Portugal to Pope Leo X to celebrate his coronation.

On March 12, 1514, the ship carrying Annone arrived in Rome. The majestic animal was immediately carried in triumph through the streets of the city, accompanied by other exotic creatures, and welcomed with enthusiasm by a rapt crowd. On its mighty back stood a silver palanquin in the shape of a castle, which held a chest full of royal gifts: precious stones, coins minted for the occasion, and embroidered vestments.

Arriving before the pope at Castel Sant'Angelo, Annone bowed three times reverently, brushing his trunk against the papal slippers in homage. He gracefully sucked water from a bucket and splashed it with playful solemnity on the cardinals and the surrounding crowd.

Chroniclers of the time described him as an animal of extraordinary intelligence. Hanno soon became a beloved and venerated figure at the papal court, treated as a true living treasure. His presence inspired poets, artists and the Roman nobility. Among those who were fascinated by him, two of the greatest artists of the Renaissance stood out: Raffaello Sanzio and Pietro Aretino, who were charged with caring for the image and memory of this extraordinary elephant.

Hanno was not just an exotic prodigy, but the embodiment of grace and royalty. With his immaculate skin and commanding presence, he became a symbol of divine power, welcomed with fervor and reverence.

Annone in the Heart of Renaissance Art

Raphael Sanzio, one of the most celebrated painters of the time, masterfully captured the majesty of Hanno in a drawing that celebrated the grace and power of the animal.
This portrait became one of the most precious testimonies of the impact that Hanno had on the culture and art of the time.

The elephant was also the subject of a commemorative fresco, now lost, that adorned the walls of Renaissance Rome, and of works by other artists who perpetuated its memory over the centuries.

Annone and A Perfumes - Oriental Elegance Enclosed in a Fragrance

Inspired by the legendary story of Annone, we have created two exclusive fragrances that celebrate its majesty and purity. These perfumes are not simple olfactory compositions, but sensorial stories that evoke the elegance and power of the white elephant.

Annone

The Fragrance That Celebrates the Power of the Elephant

Our perfume "Annone" is a direct tribute to this extraordinary animal. Unisex and persistent, Annone stands out for its unexpected notes of mango, iris and saffron, which blend harmoniously on a heart of oud and amber. This perfume seduces the senses, evoking oriental elegance with a strength that is difficult to forget. It is a fragrance that stays in the heart and fixes on the skin, just as the memory of Annone remains imprinted in history.

TO

Purity and Delicacy in a Fragrance

The fragrance "A" represents the other half of the tribute to Annone, emphasizing the purity and delicacy of the white elephant. The light and enveloping notes of this perfume capture the essence of its candid beauty, offering a unique olfactory experience. "A" is a perfume that speaks of purity, but also of depth, evoking the serenity and spirituality that Annone represented in the papal court.

Annone and A: A Meeting Between History and Perfume

The story of Annone, Pope Leo X's white elephant, is a tale of majesty and mystery that has left an indelible mark on history and culture. We at Pantheon Roma, through the fragrances "Annone" and "A", wanted to capture the essence of this legend, transforming it into a sensory experience that continues to live and fascinate. A tribute to the meeting between East and West, between history and perfume, that will remain forever in the heart of those who wear it.