Widows Unveiled

Fashionable Mourning in Late Victorian New York

Nonfiction, Art & Architecture, General Art, Fashion
Cover of the book Widows Unveiled by Rebecca McNamara, Distributed Art Publishers
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Rebecca McNamara ISBN: 9781942303091
Publisher: Distributed Art Publishers Publication: November 8, 2016
Imprint: DesignFile Language: English
Author: Rebecca McNamara
ISBN: 9781942303091
Publisher: Distributed Art Publishers
Publication: November 8, 2016
Imprint: DesignFile
Language: English
Somber black crepe gowns, long black veils, a strand of Whitby jet beads or a bracelet braided from a loved one’s hair, black-edged handkerchiefs-these were just some of the trappings of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century mourning. Middle- and upper-class Americans of this era were expected to follow strict etiquette guidelines in all aspects of their lives, including-perhaps especially-following a loved one’s death. Sustained by advice writers, newspapers, and the retail and manufacturing industries, mourning culture was prevalent in daily urban life. Prescriptive guidelines were most extreme for the widow, who was expected to mourn her lost husband for at least two years, including one in seclusion from society. Filled with nuanced requirements for how to live and what belongings to live with, these customs would have been difficult, if not impossible, for most women to follow-especially those suddenly impoverished by their widowhood. Widows Unveiled illuminates American mourning practices between the Civil War and World War I through an investigation of the textual, material, and visual culture of New York widowhood.

Illustrated with images of period costumes, jewelry, accessories, drawings, and photographs, Widows Unveiled analyzes mourning etiquette and its accouterments, interprets the abundant negative stereotypes of widows in visual culture, and explains the slow, uneven demise of mourning practices in the twentieth century. Author Rebecca McNamara demonstrates that material mourning was far more complex and confusing than is generally acknowledged and that its purpose went beyond superficial consumption: indeed, the black-crepe-enrobed and -veiled woman, as she navigated a society critical of and even hostile to widows, was both demonstrating an ideal feminine role-loyal, doting wife-and signifying a continued independent presence in polite society.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Somber black crepe gowns, long black veils, a strand of Whitby jet beads or a bracelet braided from a loved one’s hair, black-edged handkerchiefs-these were just some of the trappings of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century mourning. Middle- and upper-class Americans of this era were expected to follow strict etiquette guidelines in all aspects of their lives, including-perhaps especially-following a loved one’s death. Sustained by advice writers, newspapers, and the retail and manufacturing industries, mourning culture was prevalent in daily urban life. Prescriptive guidelines were most extreme for the widow, who was expected to mourn her lost husband for at least two years, including one in seclusion from society. Filled with nuanced requirements for how to live and what belongings to live with, these customs would have been difficult, if not impossible, for most women to follow-especially those suddenly impoverished by their widowhood. Widows Unveiled illuminates American mourning practices between the Civil War and World War I through an investigation of the textual, material, and visual culture of New York widowhood.

Illustrated with images of period costumes, jewelry, accessories, drawings, and photographs, Widows Unveiled analyzes mourning etiquette and its accouterments, interprets the abundant negative stereotypes of widows in visual culture, and explains the slow, uneven demise of mourning practices in the twentieth century. Author Rebecca McNamara demonstrates that material mourning was far more complex and confusing than is generally acknowledged and that its purpose went beyond superficial consumption: indeed, the black-crepe-enrobed and -veiled woman, as she navigated a society critical of and even hostile to widows, was both demonstrating an ideal feminine role-loyal, doting wife-and signifying a continued independent presence in polite society.

More books from Fashion

Cover of the book Fascinators by Rebecca McNamara
Cover of the book How to Create 4D Nail Art Flower Decorations Like a Pro? by Rebecca McNamara
Cover of the book Vintage Fashion & Couture by Rebecca McNamara
Cover of the book Marie Claire No.293 by Rebecca McNamara
Cover of the book Fancy Dresses Described by Rebecca McNamara
Cover of the book Marie Claire No.295 by Rebecca McNamara
Cover of the book Queer Style by Rebecca McNamara
Cover of the book Montréal Chic: A Locational History of Montreal Fashion by Rebecca McNamara
Cover of the book Whatever Next? by Rebecca McNamara
Cover of the book DIY Henna Tattoos by Rebecca McNamara
Cover of the book Virtual Runway by Rebecca McNamara
Cover of the book Be Still My Beating Heart Capelet by Rebecca McNamara
Cover of the book Batik, Traditional Textiles of Indonesia by Rebecca McNamara
Cover of the book Pin It! by Rebecca McNamara
Cover of the book Everyday Icon by Rebecca McNamara
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy