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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 12h

Young Woman with a Book (c. 1756-62) by Pietro Rotari (Italian artist, lived 1707–1762). An enigmatic smile, I wonder what she's reading? 'She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain.'

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Reposted by Long Victorian

Victorian Web @victorianweb.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

This was such a pleasure to read, and in many ways a corrective to the conventional view of the book -- which is actually hard-hitting, and still has much to say to us. And it's an inspiring read for older would-be writers too!

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Autumn Leaves (1856) by John Everett Millais. English Pre-Raphaelite artist, lived 1829–1896. Manchester Art Gallery. The point where Pre-Raphaelitism begins to emphasis beauty, colour, mood, and visual sensation. I can smell those burning leaves from here.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

And here is another clip from my experimental series: 'The Worst Couples in Literature'. No.10 Rosamond Vincy and Doctor Lydgate from George Eliot's Middlemarch. myvictorianworld.substack.com

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

This is an experiment, what do you think? A clip of a longer video I did in my series: 'The Worst Couples in Literature' (for Substack). No.11 Charlotte Lucas & Mr Collins from Pride & Prejudice. There is supposed to be a voiceover on this, I hope you can hear it. myvictorianworld.substack.com

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Pauline in the Yellow Dress (1944) by Herbert James Gunn (Scottish artist, lived 1893–1964). The model is the artist’s wife. Her glamour and enigmatic smile caused a sensation in wartime London, the 'Mona Lisa of 1944'.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

The Love Letter (1867) by Luigi Crosio (Italian artist, lived 1835–1915). I wonder what's in the love letter? Perhaps: 'If I could sleep with my arms around you, the ink could stay in the bottle.' (Shelly King)

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Flora (1892) by Alphonse Mucha (Czech artist, lived 1860–1939). The artist lived in Paris during the Art Nouveau period. Flora was the Roman goddess of the flowering of plants (and other things). Unlike Ceres, who presided over the grain and the harvest itself.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Lawn Tennis Club (1891) by Frederick Arthur Bridgman (American artist, 1847-1928). Most of the activity seems to be happening off court. Apparently the artist was 'a noted tennis player'. Sold at Sotheby’s in 1998 for about $330,000.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Conquest (1884) by Edmund Blair Leighton (English, 1852-1922). "The Day is Ours". A knight in shining armour, exhausted but triumphant, returning after battle. A wounded figure, and also some spoils, are being carried into the castle. Love that Victorian handlebar moustache!

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Forget-me-nots (mid-1880s) by Arthur Hacker (English, 1858–1919). A young lady in a powder-blue bustle dress clutching a love note. These flowers are often associated with remembrance, true love, faithfulness + devotion. There's definitely a story here, if only she would tell us.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Hello everybody. The reason I haven't been more active on Bluesky recently is that some of my 19th century art wasn't getting through (inc. flowers and a bizarre hat). However it's been a while now, so I'll have another go. I hope you are not too shocked by any millinery or floral displays I post. 🤭

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Repose (1895) by John White Alexander (American artist, lived 1856–1915). A graceful sweep of white fabric and supple curves. The Met Museum of Art.

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Reposted by Long Victorian

Coffin Boffin @coffinboffin.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

HIGHGATE CEMETERY Nature reclaims the dead in this most beautiful of resting places. Seventeen acres of gothic landscape fondly remembered, amongst stone angels hidden away from the sun's glare and the chaotic intrusion of modern life.

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Reposted by Long Victorian

Coffin Boffin @coffinboffin.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

The most erudite journal on the current gothic scene!

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 13/07/2025

In the Library (1872) by Auguste Toulmouche (French artist, lived 1829–1890). Some serious reading going on, I suspect she's forgetten she's supposed to be going out.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

The Apparition (1876-77) by Gustave Moreau (French artist, lived 1826–1898). Salome danced in front of King Herod and his guests - and the dance delighted Herod so much he rashly promised her anything she wanted. Oh dear.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

The Japanese Robe (c. 1872) by Alfred Stevens (Belgian artist, lived 1823–1906). A young woman in an elegant blue kimono standing in front of a mirror.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

Gossip (1911) by John William Waterhouse (English artist, lived 1848–1917). Also known as 'Good neighbours' or 'Washing Day'.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

Portrait of Millicent, Duchess of Sutherland (1904) by John Singer Sargent (American artist, lived 1856–1925). A green, floral dress, with laurel leaf tiara on her red hair, with a low-cut neckline. The Duchess emerging from the natural world behind.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 26/05/2025

The Wedding Dress (1911) by Fred Elwell (English artist, lived 1870-1958). The model was Mrs Violet Press, a costumier from Beverley, Yorkshire. Sadly, after a short marriage, she lost her own husband in the First World War.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

The Love Letter (1867) by Luigi Crosio (Italian artist, lived 1835–1915). 'If I could sleep with my arms around you, the ink could stay in the bottle.' - Shelly King.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 04/05/2025

May Day Morning (1890) by Edwin Austin Abbey (lived 1852-1911). American muralist, illustrator, and painter.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 03/05/2025

May Day by Kate Greenaway (1846–1901). English Victorian artist and writer, known for her children's book illustrations.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

Buttercups (1889) by George Elgar Hicks (English artist, lived 1824–1914). A Victorian country child holding buttercups. 🌞

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 28/04/2025

Amy Robsart (1887) by Thomas Francis Dicksee (English artist, lived 1819–1895). Here we have Amy, Lady Dudley (nee Robsart, 1532–60). The first wife of Robert Dudley (favourite of England's Queen Elizabeth I). Sadly, Amy is mostly remembered for her suspicious death

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 12/04/2025

The Muses Garden by Lionel Royer (French artist, lived 1852–1926). There are nine Olympian Muses - each a supernatural force that provides artistic inspiration in different areas - poetry, history, music, dance etc.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

Young Woman with a Book (c. 1750) by Pietro Rotari (Italian artist, lived 1707–1762). 'She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain.'

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

Pandora (1908) by Thomas Kennington (English artist, 1856–1916). In Greek myth - the first woman. Each god gave Pandora a unique gift. She was also given a box containing every misery and evil.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

The Lady in Pink (1867) by Alfred Stevens (Belgium artist, lived 1823–1906). Or "La Dame en rose". What is she up to?

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

The harbour in Trieste [Italy] (1907) by Egon Schiele (Austrian artist, lived 1890-1918). Schiele was only 17 when he painted this - sadly he passed away from the Spanish flu aged 28.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

Spring (Apple Blossoms) [1859] by John Everett Millais (English artist, lived 1829–1896). A fleeting moment of youth and renewal - with hints of the passage of time. Today is the first day of #spring! 🙂

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

Flora (1892) by Alphonse Mucha (Czech artist, lived 1860–1939). The artist lived in Paris during the Art Nouveau period.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

Repose (1895) by John White Alexander (American artist, lived 1856–1915). A graceful sweep of white fabric and supple curves.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

The irritating gentleman (1874) by Berthold Woltze (German artist, lived 1829-1896). And in mourning dress, too. Tch.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

The Ball by Gaston de La Touche (French artist, lived 1854-1913). The late 19th century was an optimistic time in Paris and became known as La Belle Époque ‘the beautiful time’.

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Reposted by Long Victorian

Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Marchesa Luisa Casati, with a greyhound (1908) by Giovanni Boldini (Italian artist, lived 1842–1931). Back in 1995 this could have been yours for a mere £1.2 million.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

Portrait of princess Marthe-Lucile Bibesco (1911) by Giovanni Boldini (Italian artist, lived 1842–1931). "Oh, just something I threw together—"

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

Sweet Solitude (1919) by Edmund Blair Leighton (English artist, lived 1852–1922). 'Mistress Mary always felt that however many years she lived she should never forget that first morning when her garden began to grow.' - Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 24/02/2025

The Enchantress (1878) by Luis Ricardo Falero (Spanish artist, lived 1851-1896). Contemplating the week ahead.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 23/02/2025

The Breakfast (1911) by William McGregor Paxton (American artist, lived 1869–1941). Looks like there's a bit of an atmosphere here.

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Reposted by Long Victorian

Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 22/01/2025

Blackman Street, London (1885) by Atkinson Grimshaw (English, 1836–1893). According to Christies, the painting shows what is now part of Borough High Street, and the Church of St George the Martyr. Dickens lived nearby and set several scenes from his novel Little Dorrit in and around the church.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 22/02/2025

Elizabeth Winthrop Chanler (Mrs. John Jay Chapman) - 1893 - by John Singer Sargent (American artist, lived 1856–1925). According to the artist she had ‘the face of the Madonna and the eyes of a child.’

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

Study at a Reading Desk (1877) by Frederic Lord Leighton (English artist, lived 1830-1896). The reading desk was probably a Koran stand from the artist's own collection.

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

Strolling along the Seashore (1909) by Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida (Spanish artist, lived 1863–1923). The artist’s wife and daughter. Floating draperies, a sandy seashore and wide-brimmed straw hats. What more could you ask?

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

A Meadow Flower (1912) by John White Alexander (American artist, lived 1856–1915). "A meadow is a place so still - Where dreams are left to roam at will."

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Long Victorian @longvictorian.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

The Little Foot Page (1905) by Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale (English artist, lived 1872-1945). Dressed in male attire and poised to cut her long hair to pass as a boy, she stands in the woods, her discarded dress and wimple lying at her feet.

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