Some common misconceptions about Victorian morality
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| :''[[Victorian morality]]'' | :''[[Victorian morality]]'' | ||
| + | ==Saying "limb" instead of "leg"== | ||
| + | [[Victorian prudery]] sometimes went so far as to deem it improper to say "leg" in mixed company; instead, the preferred [[euphemism]] “limb” was used. Such ideas even pervaded seemingly unrelated aspects of daily life. | ||
| + | ==Covering piano "legs"== | ||
| + | There is a myth that furniture such as tables were covered with embroidery and tablecloths so that table and piano legs were hidden from view, and covered with tiny [[pantalette]]s or shawls. No historical evidence suggest that this was actually practiced. If the shawls hid anything, it was the cheapness of the furniture. There are references to lower-middle-class families covering up their [[pine]] tables rather than show that they couldn't afford [[mahogany]]. The piano leg story seems to have originated in Captain [[Frederick Marryat]]'s 1839 book, ''[[Diary in America]]'', as a satirical comment on American prissiness. Other sources state that this myth was started by [[Frances Trollope]]'s "[[Domestic Manners of the Americans]]." | ||
| - | [[Victorian prudery]] sometimes went so far as to deem it improper to say "leg" in mixed company; instead, the preferred [[euphemism]] “limb” was used. Such ideas even pervaded seemingly unrelated aspects of daily life: there is a myth, started by [[Frances Trollope]]'s "[[Domestic Manners of the Americans]]," and later applied to the British, that furniture such as tables were covered with embroidery and tablecloths so that table legs were hidden from view, but no historical evidence suggest that this was actually practiced. Those going for a swim in the [[sea]] at the [[beach]] would use a [[bathing machine]]. However, historians [[Peter Gay]] (''[[Schnitzler's Century]]'') and [[Michael Mason]] (''[[The Making of Victorian Sexuality]]'') both point out that we often confuse Victorian etiquette for a lack of knowledge. For example, despite the use of the bathing machine, it was still possible to see people [[bathing nude]]. Another example of the gap between common preconceptions of [[Victorian sexuality]] and historical record is that, contrary to what might be expected, Queen Victoria liked to draw and collect male nude [[figure drawing]]s and even gave one to her husband as a present. | + | ==Bathing machines and nude swimming== |
| - | + | Those going for a swim in the [[sea]] at the [[beach]] would use a [[bathing machine]]. However, historians [[Peter Gay]] (''[[Schnitzler's Century]]'') and [[Michael Mason]] (''[[The Making of Victorian Sexuality]]'') both point out that we often confuse Victorian etiquette for a lack of knowledge. For example, despite the use of the bathing machine, it was still possible to see people [[bathing nude]]. | |
| - | Myth has it that even piano legs were scandalous, and covered with tiny [[pantalette]]s. There is no actual evidence that [[piano]] legs were considered scandalous. Pianos and tables were often draped with [[shawl]]s or cloths—but if the shawls hid anything, it was the cheapness of the furniture. There are references to lower-middle-class families covering up their [[pine]] tables rather than show that they couldn't afford [[mahogany]]. The piano leg story seems to have originated in Captain [[Frederick Marryat]]'s 1839 book, ''[[Diary in America]]'', as a satirical comment on American prissiness. | + | ==Queen Victoria's male nude collection== |
| - | + | Another example of the gap between common preconceptions of [[Victorian sexuality]] and historical record is that, contrary to what might be expected, Queen Victoria liked to draw and collect male nude [[figure drawing]]s and even gave one to her husband as a present. | |
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Revision as of 23:12, 23 February 2011
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Saying "limb" instead of "leg"
Victorian prudery sometimes went so far as to deem it improper to say "leg" in mixed company; instead, the preferred euphemism “limb” was used. Such ideas even pervaded seemingly unrelated aspects of daily life.
Covering piano "legs"
There is a myth that furniture such as tables were covered with embroidery and tablecloths so that table and piano legs were hidden from view, and covered with tiny pantalettes or shawls. No historical evidence suggest that this was actually practiced. If the shawls hid anything, it was the cheapness of the furniture. There are references to lower-middle-class families covering up their pine tables rather than show that they couldn't afford mahogany. The piano leg story seems to have originated in Captain Frederick Marryat's 1839 book, Diary in America, as a satirical comment on American prissiness. Other sources state that this myth was started by Frances Trollope's "Domestic Manners of the Americans."
Bathing machines and nude swimming
Those going for a swim in the sea at the beach would use a bathing machine. However, historians Peter Gay (Schnitzler's Century) and Michael Mason (The Making of Victorian Sexuality) both point out that we often confuse Victorian etiquette for a lack of knowledge. For example, despite the use of the bathing machine, it was still possible to see people bathing nude.
Queen Victoria's male nude collection
Another example of the gap between common preconceptions of Victorian sexuality and historical record is that, contrary to what might be expected, Queen Victoria liked to draw and collect male nude figure drawings and even gave one to her husband as a present.
