Figure 1.--This portrait is unattributed and the subject us unknown. We believe, however, that itvwas painted in England duringthe 1840s. The boy is dressed in a blavk suit with a plaid vest (waistcoat) with a string tie. Note the large curled collar. He has some sort of pin on the front of his shirt. He looks to be from an affluent, but not rich family.

Queen Victoria ruled for over 6 decades, an incredible reign. While much of it after Prince Albert's death was done from seclusion, she left an enormous impact on Victorian society. Not the least was the impact in fashion, including boys' fashions. Given that the Queen was so young when she ascended the throne and lived such a long life any analysis of the era has to seoarate her reign into that covering mid-19th century (1840-70) and late 19th century (1870-90) Britain. Many of the fashion inovations introduced or influenced by Queen Victoria in the mid-19th century, such as sailor suits and kilts, had becone accepted fashion conventions by the late 19th century. Through the development of photograph we have an incredible record of fashion, especially dutring the late 19th century.

Created: July 10, 2003
Last updated: July 10, 2003