siècle vermeil

'Vermeil'. The word is one of Hugo’s favourite adjectives, and is used to suggest a bright vivid red, and almost invariably in connexion with objects that have pleasurable associations *.
The following are a few typical instances of its use:—­
‘L’aube vermeille.’ (Les Feuilles d’Automne: Madame, autour de vous.)
‘Les cones vermeils’ (du palais dans les nuages). (Ibid.: Soleils Couchants.)
‘Les beaux rosiers vermeils.’ (Les Quatre Vents: L’Immense Etre.)
‘Les astres vermeils.’ (Ibid.: La Nuit.)
‘Aux soirs d’ete qu’embrase une clarte vermeille.’ (Dieu L’Ange.)
’Les plats bordes de fleurs sont en vermeil: (Eviradnus.)
’Et, vermeille,
Mahaud, en meme temps que l’aurore, s’eveille.’ (Ibid.)

The word seems to be used without any definite suggestion of colour in such phrases as ‘des espaces vermeils’ (Plein Ciel), ’quand le satyre fut sur la cime vermeille’ (Le Satyre), ’des arbres vermeils’ (of trees lit up by the setting sun) (Le Crapaud).
The word is used with a bold extension of meaning in Les Voix Interieures: A Eugene, where the appetite of boyhood is called ‘l’appetit vermeil.’
La Légende des Siècles eBook
* Fauve is always used of what is dark and gloomy, just as vermeil is always applied to what is bright and pleasant.