Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Physical attractiveness and the female life-cycle in seventeenth-century England

Reinke-Williams, T. (2018) Physical attractiveness and the female life-cycle in seventeenth-century England. Cultural and Social History. 1478-0038. (Accepted)

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Physical attractiveness (final version).pdf - Accepted Version
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Abstract:
This article draws on evidence from diaries and letters to discuss how women of the aristocracy, gentry and middling-sorts in seventeenth-century England conceptualised their own physical attractiveness and that of other women. Moving beyond histories of fashion and aesthetics which have prioritised male opinions, the article demonstrates that women recognised the importance of maintaining an attractive appearance across the life-cycle. Particular attention was paid to the emergence of good looks during adolescence; the importance of physical appearance alongside other qualities in the marriage market; and the means by which physical changes and their psychological impacts were negotiated in later life.
Uncontrolled Keywords:
Attractiveness, youth, age, women, life-writings
Subjects:
H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Women > HQ1101 Women. Feminism
D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain > DA385 Early Stuarts, 1603-1642
Creators:
Reinke-Williams, T.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Education & Humanities > History
Faculties > Faculty of Education & Humanities > History
Date:
9 March 2018
Date Type:
Acceptance
Journal or Publication Title:
Cultural and Social History
Language:
English
ISSN:
1478-0038
Status:
Accepted
Refereed:
Yes
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