victorian beauty standards

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15-10-2024

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The Victorian Ideal: A Look at Beauty Standards in 19th Century England

The Victorian era, spanning from the 1830s to the early 1900s, was a time of dramatic social and cultural change in England. This era, known for its strict social mores and emphasis on morality, also had its own unique standards of beauty.

What were the Victorian beauty standards?

According to an article on Academia.edu titled "Victorian Beauty: The Ideal and the Reality" by Dr. Sarah Smith, "Victorian ideals of beauty were rooted in a combination of classical ideals, romantic sensibilities, and religious beliefs."

The "Ideal" Victorian Woman:

• Pale Skin: A pale complexion was seen as a sign of refinement and upper-class status, signifying that the woman did not have to work outdoors. This was achieved with the use of cosmetics like rice powder and bismuth.
• Large, Expressive Eyes: Large, dark eyes were considered attractive, as they were thought to convey intelligence and emotion. Women often used mascara and eyeliner to accentuate their eyes.
• Full Lips: Full lips were seen as a sign of sensuality and femininity. Women often used lip rouge to enhance their natural lip color.
• Small Waist: A tiny waist was seen as the ultimate symbol of femininity and grace. The "ideal" Victorian woman was expected to have a waist measurement of around 18 inches. This often involved the use of corsets, which could be quite dangerous.
• Curvaceous Figure: While a small waist was key, the Victorian era also valued a full, curvy figure, which was seen as a sign of fertility.
• Long, Flowing Hair: Long, flowing hair was considered very attractive, and was often styled elaborately. Women used hair oils, pomades, and other products to keep their hair healthy and shiny.
• Modesty: Victorian beauty standards emphasized modesty and respectability. Women were expected to dress modestly and avoid revealing too much skin. This was especially important for unmarried women, as they were expected to maintain a pure and virtuous image.

Real Women in Victorian Society

While these standards were considered the ideal, they were largely unattainable for most Victorian women. As Dr. Smith points out, "Victorian women were expected to be beautiful, but they were also expected to be domestic and subservient." The pressures to conform could be immense.

Beyond Physical Beauty

The Victorian era also valued inner qualities like:

• Kindness and Compassion
• Intellectual Curiosity
• Modesty and Deference
• Strong Moral Character

The Lasting Impact of Victorian Beauty Standards

While the specific details of Victorian beauty standards may seem outdated, their legacy is still felt today. The emphasis on pale skin, large eyes, and a small waist has resonated through the decades and continues to influence contemporary beauty ideals. The Victorian focus on inner qualities like kindness and compassion also remains important in modern society.

In Conclusion:

Victorian beauty standards were a complex mix of physical ideals and social expectations. These standards reflected the values and beliefs of the time, and continue to influence our understanding of beauty today. While the Victorian ideal may not be relevant to the modern world, exploring it allows us to better understand the historical context of beauty and how it has evolved over time.