Photos of Victorian Women
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The images below were scanned from our private collection of antique ephemera.
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Thank you very much - and enjoy!
It takes a significant amount of time as well as money to find, procure and scan the originals of the images which are offered here free for your enjoyment. Please show your support of all our hard work by telling your friends about Sarah's books (and by buying them yourself, too, of course!)
The images below were scanned from our private collection of antique ephemera.
You're welcome to share them with friends and re-post them for your own private projects free of cost, but please remember to include a citation link to this website, www.thisvictorianlife.com
For commercial usage, please contact us about rates.
Thank you very much - and enjoy!
It takes a significant amount of time as well as money to find, procure and scan the originals of the images which are offered here free for your enjoyment. Please show your support of all our hard work by telling your friends about Sarah's books (and by buying them yourself, too, of course!)
"There is a witchery about a beautiful woman that evelops her like a mantle, reaching and covering even her feet. It is, in fact, as if she were surrounded by a peculiar atmosphere, which not only obscures or hides all defects of mind or body, but, at the same instant, brings into greater prominence all her exquisite loveliness."
—Beard, Dan C. "Six Feet of Romance." The Cosmopolitan. July, 1889. p. 229.
Maids
The identity of the woman above is unknown, but the note below was written on the back of her photograph. (The photo itself was found on eBay.)
"A number of corsets - many of them patented designs - were specifically marketed towards working women, and had corded supports and extra reinforcements in strategic areas to help them stand up to the strains of bending and stooping to which housemaids and cleaning women would subject their garments. They were actually designed to help support their wearers' backs during these tasks. Corsets' utility for working women could even be seen in the names of certain models, such as the "Pretty Housemaid," a popular mass-manufactured body marketed towards working women..." - Victorian Secrets: What A Corset Taught Me About The Past, The Present, and Myself, Sarah A. Chrisman, Skyhorse Publishing, 2013
Nurses
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A Nurse
A nurse, a simple nurse; to the unthinking
Only a nurse, and nothing but a name;
A patient woman in her round of duty,
Living and dying all unknown to fame.
Only a nurse, a messenger of mercy,
An angel sent unto our suffering race,
With quiet step, and tender hand of healing,
Divinest pity on her gentle face.
When all the world lies wrapt in quiet slumber,
Save the poor sufferer moaning on his bed,
Whose watchful eye with Christian love keeps vigil
Through the long night with silent softened tread?
Only a nurse, in duty all unshrinking;
Before such scenes, man's stouter heart would quail;
See there! That sweet, fair girl, in sorest trial
Is at her post, nor will her courage fail.
The fever we but terror-struck encounter,
Or fly before with selfish, coward dread;
While nurse and doctor hasten to the rescue,
And stand unflinching by the stricken bed.
Hark! That weird bell —an accident at midnight;
The nurse and doctor, wakeful, close at hand,
The minister to suffering or dying,
The hospital's heroic little band!
There you or I may in our need find refuge,
With kindly help and loving tender care;
Respect we'll give those brave, unselfish women,
And night and day remember them in prayer.
—E.M.C., 1886.
Notice the nursing chatelaines worn by these two nurses in Glasgow. The thin, cylindrical item on the right is a thermometer in a special chatelaine-attachment holder.
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Reverse of cabinet card shown above.
Photo scanned from The Peterson Magazine, December, 1897, page 1229.
Photo scanned from The Peterson Magazine, December, 1897, page 1231.
Photo caption, "Off Duty. A Breath of Fresh Air on the Roof."
Photo caption, "Off Duty. A Breath of Fresh Air on the Roof."
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Singers
Miss Alice Nielson
Photo scanned from The Peterson Magazine, November, 1897, page 1130
"Miss Alice Nielson is the clever little soprano who bounded so suddenly into favor as a comic opera prima donna last spring through her piquant impersonation of Yvonne in "The Serenade." The wise manager of the famous Bostonians appreciated the fact that they had been rather slow in recognizing the full extent of this animated little southerner's ability; however, it did not take them long after she made her New York debut as a prima donna, to make arrangements for her to retain the place. Miss Nielson now alternates with Miss Giusti, whose place in the company was formerly filled by Miss Hilda Clark."
-The Peterson Magazine, November, 1897, page 1130.
Photo scanned from The Peterson Magazine, November, 1897, page 1130
"Miss Alice Nielson is the clever little soprano who bounded so suddenly into favor as a comic opera prima donna last spring through her piquant impersonation of Yvonne in "The Serenade." The wise manager of the famous Bostonians appreciated the fact that they had been rather slow in recognizing the full extent of this animated little southerner's ability; however, it did not take them long after she made her New York debut as a prima donna, to make arrangements for her to retain the place. Miss Nielson now alternates with Miss Giusti, whose place in the company was formerly filled by Miss Hilda Clark."
-The Peterson Magazine, November, 1897, page 1130.
Mrs. Elizabeth Northrop, soloist for John Philip Sousa's band
Mme. Hervor Torpadie Bjorksten
"[A] successful and eminent professor of music, and herself a brilliant performer and cultured woman."
--The Peterson Magazine, July 1897, pp. 689-694.
"[A] successful and eminent professor of music, and herself a brilliant performer and cultured woman."
--The Peterson Magazine, July 1897, pp. 689-694.
Contralto Mrs. Katharine Bloodgood
Photo by Parkinson, scanned out of The Peterson Magazine, October, 1897, page 1021.
"Mrs. Katharine Bloodgood, the noted American contralto, who, in the few seasons she has been before the public, has gained recognition from the highest musical authorities, both here and in Canada, will be the soloist at many of the most important festivals and concerts this season.
Mrs. Bloodgood has not had success thrust upon her, but has gained her enviable musical position through untiring application to her art.
Unlike most American trained artists, Mrs. Bloodgood has acquired a very extensive repertoire, including oratorios, sacred works and operas, besides modern lieder and chansons; consequently she is ready to accept the numerous engagements offered, at a moment's notice. She holds the palm at present as the finest contralto in this country. In appearance Mrs. Bloodgood has been likened to Mme. Eames, and on the concert stage she is certainly the embodiment of grace and intelligent beauty."
--The Peterson Magazine, October, 1897, pages 1020-1021.
Photo by Parkinson, scanned out of The Peterson Magazine, October, 1897, page 1021.
"Mrs. Katharine Bloodgood, the noted American contralto, who, in the few seasons she has been before the public, has gained recognition from the highest musical authorities, both here and in Canada, will be the soloist at many of the most important festivals and concerts this season.
Mrs. Bloodgood has not had success thrust upon her, but has gained her enviable musical position through untiring application to her art.
Unlike most American trained artists, Mrs. Bloodgood has acquired a very extensive repertoire, including oratorios, sacred works and operas, besides modern lieder and chansons; consequently she is ready to accept the numerous engagements offered, at a moment's notice. She holds the palm at present as the finest contralto in this country. In appearance Mrs. Bloodgood has been likened to Mme. Eames, and on the concert stage she is certainly the embodiment of grace and intelligent beauty."
--The Peterson Magazine, October, 1897, pages 1020-1021.
Marguerite Silva
Photograph by Gilbert, scanned out of The Peterson Magazine, September 1897, page 916
"Marguerite Silva, who first came to America with Beerbohm Tree's company, and was seen the past summer in "A Round of Pleasure," will originate the title-role in the forth-coming production of "The French Maid," a musical comedy to be presented by E.E. Rice. Miss Sylva is a strikingly handsome, dark-eyed, dark-haired beauty, and possesses a sweet voice, and chic manner. She seems admirably suited to the new part for which she has been chosen."
--The Peterson Magazine, September, 1897, page 916
Photograph by Gilbert, scanned out of The Peterson Magazine, September 1897, page 916
"Marguerite Silva, who first came to America with Beerbohm Tree's company, and was seen the past summer in "A Round of Pleasure," will originate the title-role in the forth-coming production of "The French Maid," a musical comedy to be presented by E.E. Rice. Miss Sylva is a strikingly handsome, dark-eyed, dark-haired beauty, and possesses a sweet voice, and chic manner. She seems admirably suited to the new part for which she has been chosen."
--The Peterson Magazine, September, 1897, page 916
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Violinist
Violinist Miss Geraldine Morgan
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Miss Geraldine Morgan
notebook with 1897 article
Photograph by Davis & Sanford, scanned out of The Peterson Magazine, December, 1897, page 1213.
"Miss Geraldine Morgan, who, as one of America's foremost women violinists, has been before the public for some years, always achieving artistic triumphs whenever appearing, is a young and very lively woman, full of genius. Miss Morgan has just put into execution the ideas she has entertained for some time relative to establishing a violin school in New York that will enable pupils who contemplate studying with the world's "Master of Masters," Joseph Joachim, the opportunity of a thorough preparation for the time to be spent abroad.
Miss Morgan, who studied with the great master from early childhood up to the time of her debut, is regarded as the foremost representative in this country of Joachim's style and method. When very young she won the "Grand Mendelssohn Prize," which was a distinction never before bestowed upon an American. While in Berlin, this summer, Miss Morgan made a special study of ensemble playing, practicing every day at the house of Joachim with distinguished artists. She also had the opportunity of studying new works with Max Bruch and other eminent composers.
In England, the land of some of her greatest triumphs, Miss Morgan played at the first Crystal Palace orchestral concert, for which she is also engaged next year. She was also heard at many musicales, notably at one given at the magnificent residence of the Earl of Leven, also at the house of Alma Tadema, the eminent artist, where her appearance created much enthusiasm.
Miss Morgan's environments have been of the highest social and musical character. Her father, the late John P. Morgan, organist of Trinity Church at one time, was a most honored musician of the old school, and her mother has made for herself quite a distinguished name in the literary field; her brother, Paul, a 'cellist of renown, has also won much fame on his chosen instrument, which, by the way, was presented to him by admirers in Berlin. It is a genuine Gaspar da Salo of the year 1615. The instrument Miss Morgan uses is a famous Stradivarius, valued at five thousand dollars, loaned to her by Joachim for her European and American debuts, and since purchased for her by admiring friends."
--The Peterson Magazine, December, 1897, pages 1212-1214
Get this image on a card, mug, or bag
Miss Geraldine Morgan
notebook with 1897 article
Photograph by Davis & Sanford, scanned out of The Peterson Magazine, December, 1897, page 1213.
"Miss Geraldine Morgan, who, as one of America's foremost women violinists, has been before the public for some years, always achieving artistic triumphs whenever appearing, is a young and very lively woman, full of genius. Miss Morgan has just put into execution the ideas she has entertained for some time relative to establishing a violin school in New York that will enable pupils who contemplate studying with the world's "Master of Masters," Joseph Joachim, the opportunity of a thorough preparation for the time to be spent abroad.
Miss Morgan, who studied with the great master from early childhood up to the time of her debut, is regarded as the foremost representative in this country of Joachim's style and method. When very young she won the "Grand Mendelssohn Prize," which was a distinction never before bestowed upon an American. While in Berlin, this summer, Miss Morgan made a special study of ensemble playing, practicing every day at the house of Joachim with distinguished artists. She also had the opportunity of studying new works with Max Bruch and other eminent composers.
In England, the land of some of her greatest triumphs, Miss Morgan played at the first Crystal Palace orchestral concert, for which she is also engaged next year. She was also heard at many musicales, notably at one given at the magnificent residence of the Earl of Leven, also at the house of Alma Tadema, the eminent artist, where her appearance created much enthusiasm.
Miss Morgan's environments have been of the highest social and musical character. Her father, the late John P. Morgan, organist of Trinity Church at one time, was a most honored musician of the old school, and her mother has made for herself quite a distinguished name in the literary field; her brother, Paul, a 'cellist of renown, has also won much fame on his chosen instrument, which, by the way, was presented to him by admirers in Berlin. It is a genuine Gaspar da Salo of the year 1615. The instrument Miss Morgan uses is a famous Stradivarius, valued at five thousand dollars, loaned to her by Joachim for her European and American debuts, and since purchased for her by admiring friends."
--The Peterson Magazine, December, 1897, pages 1212-1214
Women whose identities are not known
Intriguing faces from the past...
Unknown woman with chatelaine purse, circa 1900
Women with boy and cycles, 1890s.
Mysterious group of friends, circa 1890s—1900.
The photos below intrigue me. The owner (a dealer in antique photographs) sold them to me very cheaply because he had no information about them whatsoever. They are clearly amateur photography snapshots (circa late 1890s—1900s, based on the clothes), but it's impossible to know anything about the people in them or their relationships to each other. The women might have been sweethearts, family (cousins?), co-workers (teachers at the same school?), club members (maybe from an amateur acting group, since two of them are wearing men's clothes in one of the pictures), or just friends playing around. There's no way to know, and the single man on his own in one of the photos is equally mysterious. It's a fascinating mystery. —S.C.
Unknown women, circa late 1890s—1900s.
Unknown woman, circa late 1890s—1900s.
Unknown woman, circa late 1890s—1900s.
Unknown women, circa late 1890s—1900s.
Unknown women, circa late 1890s—1900s.
Unknown women, circa late 1890s—1900s.
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Women wearing maternity corsets
Women wearing maternity corsets
If you look very closely you can see the clear lines their corsets give their dresses under the bust, as well as their tell-tale bumps lower down.
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"[M]aternity corsets... had extra lacings in various places that could be let out as the fetus grew while maintaining the back support that becomes even more important as a woman’s figure takes on the dramatic increase in weight that accompanies a pregnancy..."
-Victorian Secrets: What A Corset Taught Me About The Past, The Present, and Myself, Sarah A. Chrisman, Skyhorse Publishing, 2013
In English-speaking countries, maternity corsets were usual marketed as "abdominal" styles or styles "for married ladies." The French were more blunt: they came right out and listed them as "corsets for pregnancy."
-Victorian Secrets: What A Corset Taught Me About The Past, The Present, and Myself, Sarah A. Chrisman, Skyhorse Publishing, 2013
In English-speaking countries, maternity corsets were usual marketed as "abdominal" styles or styles "for married ladies." The French were more blunt: they came right out and listed them as "corsets for pregnancy."
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Men and Women, illustrations
Misc.
Photo of children
Photos of couples and families
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Photos of maids
Photos of men
Photos of nurses
Photos of women
Romantic images
Seasonal illustrations
Servants
Sheet music
Trade cards
Animals
Athletes
Children
Clothes advertisements—also see Corset advertisements, Fashion plates
Comics
Corset advertisements
Cycling
Dining
Fashion Plates
Flowers
Food
Health and Beauty Products
Holidays
Kitchens and kitchen tools
Men and Women, illustrations
Misc.
Photo of children
Photos of couples and families
Photos of groups
Photos of maids
Photos of men
Photos of nurses
Photos of women
Romantic images
Seasonal illustrations
Servants
Sheet music
Trade cards
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It takes a significant amount of time as well as money to find, procure and scan the originals of the images which are offered here free for your enjoyment.
Please show your support for all our hard work by telling your friends about Sarah's books —and by reading them yourself, too, of course!
Thank you very much!
First Wheel in Town:
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Love Will Find A Wheel:
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A Rapping At The Door:
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