Un Guerlain ante litteram: Cosmo negli epigrammi di Marziale

This contribution examines references to the well-known perfumer Cosmus in Martial’s epigrammatic corpus. The workshop attributed to Cosmus apparently produced a wide range of cosmetic products, particularly sought after by female consumers, who perceived them as luxurious status symbols – an association Martial frequently exploits for his corrosive irony. However, until new evidence emerges, much about this artisan is likely to remain obscure or speculative.