William Hogarth, an Englishman known for his political cartoons and realistic paintings, hid anything but the truth. Within Hogarth’s paintings, Before, and, After, sexual arousal and a lack of courtship appear to be present within these visual displays. For instance, in the painting, Before, the apples scattered before the girl shown within the painting depict the moral stature of Eve (Fitzwilliam Museum). Due to the fact that apples tend to symbolize trouble and mischief within European culture. Not to mention the gentleman’s stance towards his mistress is quite provocative. As a result, these images provide the audience with multiple assumptions upon what might happen later. Consequently, these portraits revealed broken rules upon which happened behind closed doors.
Courtship was extremely important within the Victorian Era, especially for the upper class. Both men and women were expected to follow a strict set of rules when approaching the opposite sex. For example, “no sexual contact was allowed before marriage. Innocence was demanded by men from women of his particular class, and most especially from his future wife” (Hoppe). The Victorian era was best known for controlling impulsivity and containing a sexually repressed society.
Analysis of Before:
* The girl within the painting appears to be embarrassed by the boy’s advancement towards her due to her red checks.
* The apples appear to resemble symbolic meaning towards the story of Adam and Eve.
* The boy appears to have a bulge.
* The boy’s leg is provocatively leaning in towards the girl.
* As a result of their white stockings the couple appear to be from the upper class.
* Both individuals are located in a forest with privacy.
Analysis of After:
* Due to the couples flush faces they both appear to be out of breath.
* The girl seems to be looking at boy with content.
* Both appear to have their stockings out
* within the painting the girl’s thighs are exposed.
* Boy’s unbuttoned pants reveal some clues as to what may have happened.
* Apples still remain present on the floor.
* The boy is staring off into the distance.
* The white cloth on the ground may indicate something of the girl’s virginity.
Rules of Courtship:
* People of lesser rank were always introduced to people of higher rank, and then only if the higher-ranking person had given his/her permission.
* Even after being introduced, the person of higher rank did not have to maintain the acquaintance. They could ignore, or ‘cut’ the person of lower rank.
* A single woman never addressed a gentleman without an introduction.
* A single woman never walked out alone. Her chaperone had to be older and preferably married.
* If she had progressed to the stage of courtship in which she walked out with a gentleman, they always walked apart. A gentleman could offer his hand over rough spots, the only contact he was allowed with a woman who was not his fiancée.
* Proper women never rode alone in a closed carriage with a man who wasn’t a relative.
* She would never call upon an unmarried gentleman at his place of residence.
* She couldn’t receive a man at home if she was alone. Another family member had to be present in the room.
* A gentlewoman never looked back after anyone in the street, or turned to stare at others at church, the opera, etc.
* No impure conversations were held in front of single women.
* Intelligence was not encouraged, nor was any interest in politics. (Hoppe)
The Victorian era was all about presentation. Marriage between different social classes was often rare, unless under certain circumstances. The only time men typically approached women of lower social standings was with prostitution. Even the couple within the portraits, Before and After, appears to be entwined in the same social class. According to their clothing they appear to resemble the upper class; due to their white stockings and embellished apparel.
In conclusion, the Victorian era has forever changed the way men and women approach each other. Even today traditions of courtship still exist. For example, prom and is a great indication that the courtship functions today. The exchange of corsages and boutineers as well as the dance itself resembles the traditions upon which were practiced years ago. True it may be that courtship and etiquette have died down through history but the Victorian era still lives on.
Works Cited
“Fitzwilliam Museum.” Fitzwilliam Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Sept. 2012. <http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/pharos/collection_pages/18th_pages/PD11_1964/TXT_SE-PD11_1964.html>.
Hogarth, William. Before. 1730-31. The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. Your Paintings. Public Catalogue Foundation, 2012. Web. 12 Sept. 2012. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/yourpaintings/paintings/before-5239>.
Hogarth, William. After. 1731. The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. Your Paintings. Public Catalogue Foundation, 2012. Web. 12 Sept. 2012. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/yourpaintings/paintings/after-5241>.
Hoppe, Michelle J. “Courting the Victorian Woman.” Courting the Victorian Woman. N.p., 1998. Web. 13 Sept. 2012. <http://www.literary-liaisons.com/article009.html>.
